How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist

Falling for Demons #5

by Laura Winter

A possessive grump, a chaotic sunshine, and a nerdy perfectionist walk into a bar.

Stolen from her home, Rosalind wakes in the demon realm determined to help the other humans start their new lives. Between laws, ledgers, and lists, Rose doesn’t have time for frivolous activities like courting when she’s desperate to prove herself. Still, one night of not thinking about her work won’t hurt, and there are two handsome demons willing to help her forget.

But what if the real challenge is forgetting them?

After waking up to find the beautiful human gone, Lazerath is devastated. One night has never been a problem before, but Rosalind is The One, and now Laz has the chance to court his soulbonded alongside his best friend. Even if Davarox and Rosalind are far too smart for him, Laz won’t let his insecurities interfere with his two most precious relationships.

Everything is perfect, so why does he still feel like something in his life is missing?

Davarox has been in love with his best friend since they met, but the happy, outgoing Lazerath—Dav’s complete opposite—has no idea. Dav has pined from a safe distance, protecting Laz and their bakery while making sure the demon never feels hardship. But one shared night with the brilliant and fearless Rosalind has stirred a new possessive desire within Dav, and he’s dangerously close to revealing all his secrets… if Rosalind’s keen observation doesn’t unravel them first.

Between work and heart, loneliness and joy, secrets and love, the three must learn to explore their changing dynamic… together.

How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist is a MMF polyamorous cozy demon romance and contains consensual romantic relationships between all three characters.

For fans of fantasy monster romance, cozier fantasy, and queer stories, join Laura Winter and AK Caggiano in the Falling for Demons series of interconnected standalones, set in the same fantasy world. Follow six humans and their budding romances with the demons they once feared in a cozy, spicy setting.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Demons, Audiobook, Cozy, Why Choose

410 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2026

About the author

Laura Winter is a passionate creator, minimalist, and van life dreamer. She's dedicated to writing character-driven stories with intricate plots that will keep you engaged until the last page. Explore new worlds, fall in love with characters, and enjoy an escape.

You can join her community at https://sendfox.com/laurawinter and never miss a new publication.

Reviews

[Selene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the author, publisher and narrators for my arc! Both narrators did a phenomenal job with the different characters voices and tone, they added to an already fantastic story. Absolutely loved the dynamic between the three it was pure perfection. And the world is full of so much whimsy, a nice easy cozy read.

[Danielle Kida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Rose, Laz and Dav so much!! This book was perfectly cozy with great spice. I’ll read anything Laura Winter writes.

[mattea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Laura Winter for the e-ARC!

How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist follows Rosalind, a former lawyer who wakes up in the unfamiliar demon realm of Heck. She takes it all in stride though, negotiating for good treatment of the other human women and throwing herself headfirst into the politics of the city, wondering how she can contribute and make it better. She's a workaholic, though, and needs to relax with a night out. Cue her meeting best friends Davarox and Lazerath, owners of the bakery Loveable Loaf. And, well, you'll want to read what happens next.

This book has a ton going on for how short it is. There's courting rituals and 5 fully developed spicy scenes, there's city politics, corruption, money troubles at the bakery, relationship angst, coming out, and prejudice against demons without magical powers. It's a lot, but the way Laura writes will have you speeding through the pages, tackling challenge after challenge with the characters.

This book ties for my favorite in the series, coming in with How Not to Tame Your Human Tease. I'm so excited for the next (and final!) installment soon!

[Marika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I decided to DNF at 25% because of the male narrator and the creative anatomy described after the first spice scene. I realize I'm just not into demons having s*x with their p*n*s having fins. It made me cringe and I don't think I can continue.
BUT, I was really enjoying the female narrator and the FMC's personality. It sounded like a really nice book and nice world.

[Bekah Jackson (lit.spo) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh I loved it! Some of my absolute favorite characters by this author! I have really enjoyed the Falling For Demons series, and this is no exception. I'm always down for a good polyamorous romance. These characters are so perfect for each other. I do have a soft spot for Davarox though! This series is so fun and cozy. This book definitely kicked up the steamy scenes a notch with some light BDSM dynamics. I do highly recommend this book and series if you enjoy monster romances and a fun time!

[Sigal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear this series gets better and better with every book. Rose, Dav, and Laz were so cute together. They all had such good chemistry and as a fellow list enthusiast, this book spoke to me. Cozy, spicy, and so fun.

[Lyndsay Juhl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ehh….this book was more spice than plot. I’ve been disappointed with these books, I really enjoyed the first 2, which were more plot and character driven. The next 3 have been blah. I enjoy A.K. Caggianos writing more than Laura Winters. This series is written by both of them. I just thought the conflict/issue why Dav tries to leave Rose and Laz was pretty weak and annoying. This story was more about the sex than anything else.
I’ll read the last book only because it’s by A.K and I love all her other books and I’m hopeful it will be good.

[Teresa Ruscito · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because I’m a series girl, and I had a fun and cutie little time with all the other installments before this one. NEVER did I expect that we’d come into MMF territory! Yowza!!
As far as poly relationship rom coms go, this one had a fun way of tackling multiple tropes like grumpy x sunshine, unrequited love for your childhood best friend, and love / connection at first sight all between each of the three parties.
It did seem like Rosalind’s whole purpose was to be the key to unlock the romantic relationship between Laz and Dav, but they all had fun chemistry and I LOVE yearning so they all served their purposes well.
It was very spicy, lots of good stuff in there, very descriptive 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[A. Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Falling for Demons series of interconnected standalones, and the most spicy one by far. It is also the only one with a throuple.

I had been so excited to finally read Rosalind's story, as she has been the glue holding together everything for the humans in heck. Unfortunately, while there were great bones of things mentioned regarding her backstory, and even a mystery at her job all of this was very surface and shallow. We visited these plot points briefly on our way to the next spicy interaction. This was also the same occurrence with diving into Laz and Dav, and their surrounding plots. We could have easily used another 300 pages just to cover everything that was introduced in this book. It still could have been a light spicy fun read, but with a bit more diving into all the plot points we were given.

Dav, 100% was the most well developed character we met during this book. He honestly felt the most fleshed out, of all the characters we met in this book. I struggled with Laz's initial characterization. He came off as vapid, and lacking any real depth. I enjoyed who he was toward the end of the novel, and I wish that had been his portrayal for the entire novel. Rosalind was a badass with panic attacks, which is 100% relatable. But, once again I wish we had seen more of her in situations that varied beyond the spicy.

For 75% of the book we had one mmc with clear defined feelings for the other mmc, the other mmc meanwhile was firmly we are friends and best friends ONLY. No other feelings for 75% of the book until friendship only mmc decided to suck his friends you know what without even asking for consent. So, it was hard for me to suddenly get on board with the boyfriends being boyfriends when there were ZERO feelings being articulated before. Combine that with the sudden plot points with minimal follow through, and I struggled with this one. If you are looking for a spicy good time with demons, then 100% this book is for you. Huge thank you to the author Laura Winter for the advanced copy.

[Hemlock & Sweet Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one snuck up on me in the best way and I am now hooked and need to read the others in this completed standalone series!

What I enjoyed most is that all three main characters (this is an MMF) were their own beings, fully formed with positive and negative traits and elements that were actually addressed and meshed well with the positive and negative found in the others. They balance each other out without being these perfect faultless beings, no character feels like they exist in this story just to be plot armor for another or to fill / fix something missing.

The emotions are handled so well throughout the story. They address mental health in a way that feels very true and real without taking you out of the world Winter's created. The pullback from feeling too much is handled well and very human - it's addressed and worked through vs just magically getting resolved. There is angst but the pacing moves fairly quickly so you aren't left in too much suspense, the spice leans more warm and caring than just spice for spiciness sake.

I also appreciate how Dav's secret was handled and addressed - it was handled in a caring, mature and totally in character way. The pacing of the book as a whole is quick without being rushed in that things progress, get addressed / sorted and the characters move on.

The mental health representation is top notch as well as kink discussions and boundaries, the period scene made me equally jealous for her and impressed that it was handled with more warmth than most books manage.

This is a fun, sweet, and a happy cozy read with enough spice to keep things interesting and enough heart behind it to immerse yourself in the full series.

[Laura Krause · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.75 ⭐
Thank you so much to the author for providing me an ARC for this review!

This book needed to be longer. I don't say that because I loved it and needed more, I say that because it felt like someone had the remote and was holding fast forward and I was begging them to slow down. Things moved WAY too fast and the characters went from one-night stand to "soulbonded-my-life-is-empty-without-you" quite literally overnight. I LOVED the dynamic and relationship of the main poly throuple, but I didn't feel like we had earned it as a reader or even the characters had earned it to be honest. Drawing that out and letting a slightly more natural build from hookup to eternal love would have been so good!

It wasn't just the romance that was on fast forward, the b-plot of Rosalind and her whole career and trajectory was also on lightning speed. The pace of the plot meant there were quite a few plot holes and I found it hard to buy into what was going on most of the time. But our main 3 characters were so lovable together and the spice scenes were steamy enough I still had a good time while reading. Honestly aside from the pace of their relationship, I found the rest of it to be fairly reminiscent of a situation in my earlier life when I was still polyamorous and it gave me lots of warm-fuzzy feelings with a side of nostalgia.

Also the vibes of this cozy infernal setting were immaculate. Right away when it was communicated that this demon realm is called "Heck" rather than Hell, the tone was set and I ate it up. I want to live in Heck to be honest it sounded so quaint and cozy while also vibrant and exotic.

[D.A. Meydan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received an ARC of this book. Thank you to the Author for providing it.

I have to be honest, it took me a minute to get to this book. It has nothing to do with it being slightly contemporary feeling, but it really took me some time. I started reading, and it just took time for it to hook me. I am sure others will feel differently when you get your hands on this book.

I liked how Rosalind represented a character with ADHD, and I would argue she's also autistic and has anxiety. The author also showed that another character, Laz, is definitely ADHD. There is a lot of ND representation in the book, and it's not an afterthought, which is a breath of fresh air for a more accurate depiction of ND characters.

I also noted some racial issues were brought up, and I appreciate these things being brought up, especially with the character Dav.

This is a high spice level book. I knew this going in and the. I gotta say I was surprised to read .kre than two scenes and I am not mad at that. The pace of the story, as I said, starts slow, but once it started to build, it really took us from a marathon to a Sprint. Perhaps what I loved the most was the idea of why choose? There are two MMCs and one FMC. There are also a ton of characters from the other books in the series that came more than just cameos. It might benefit the reader to learn what the other characters are going through alongside what happened in this book.

Overall, it's a well-written book and filled with threesomes, healing, accurate ND representation, and some antics.

My biggest complaint?

There are no recipes for those tasty treats!

[BOOK IT BISHES · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have been reading the Falling for Demons series by Laura Winter and A.K. Caggiano, you know are in for a good time in the land of Heck! We finally get Rosalind's book along with Lazerath, (Sev's sassy twin) & Davarox!

Rosalind loves lists and numbers, it calms her and she is dang good at it. Taking the task to improve the town of Heck by writing a proposal that can benefit Demons and humans alike. Despite her love for her job, she finds herself wishing for a distraction from the everyday stress. She soon discovers it with two hunky demons who are willing to make her problems disappear if but a moment. Rosalind can't keep her mind off the caring demons, complicating her guarded heart as she navigates her feelings for them.

Lazerath is the owner of the town's bakery, Lovable Loaf, where he works with his best friend, Davarox. Laz and Dav are close as close can be. Looking for a little fun, they are both captivated by the beautiful Rosalind. They mutually decide to pursue a relationship withe the brainy beauty and discover a few things about each other along the way.

This book is sweet and spicy with a heap of complicated feelings thrown in the mix. Laura does a great job giving each of her characters distinct voices and personalities. Handling heartfelt conflicts with the outmost care.

I have enjoyed this series so dang much and going to miss the quirky citizens of Heck. Though I will have the sads, I can always go back to visit.

[Vice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Salgoron wobbled on his feet, now avoiding both Dav’s and Rose’s stares. “C-can I have my clipboard back?”
“No. It’s a nice clipboard and I want it,” Rosalind answered without hesitation. “Run along, Salgoron of Salgoron’s Goods. I’m an early riser.”
With one last inhale of fear, the blue demon turned and scurried off to his cart.

The longer this series continues, the more and more I would very much like to live in Heck.

In this book, we start again at the beginning of the humans' time in Heck - I really enjoyed seeing Rosalind and her elder daughter to lawyer pipeline energy doing everything she could to set up life for her fellow humans, and then throughout following the paper/money trail to uncover what's been going on. It was nice to see more of Lazerath and Davarox, and I enjoyed seeing glimpses of the other characters we've been getting to know throughout this series. I did feel like things were a bit more rushed than the others, even within the premise of this one book per couple cozy low-stakes happily ever ever setup. But regardless, this continues to be just a pleasant, easy-reading series and I am going to be sad when it comes to an end! Also, the dedications continue to be *chef's kiss*

[Eternity's Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was yet another good entry into the Falling for Demons series and one who's relationship dynamics I really appreciated.

With good mental health rep in the form of showing struggles with anxiety and a plot point about discovering yourself and who you can love, this book also has good LGBTQ+ representation.

I adored Laz as a character. He's so bubbly and caring yet utterly oblivious to his own feelings and his journey of discovering he was in love with Dav was really cute. He didn't even question that Rose was 'theirs' yet also completely failed to consider what that meant in relation to Dav, because for him, it was just natural he was there and always would be.

I liked how easily Rose slipped into Laz and Dav's dynamic. She didn't feel the need to hide her anxieties from them and was as protective and fiesty for them as she was for the humans. She had such a great depth of love and desire to help and I really appreciated that. She definitely gave of major eldest daughter vibes.

I think in terms of over arching plot, this book was one with some of the least really but as it is book five and we have pretty much all the component parts of the story of Heck already compiled, that was easy to overlook.

Can't wait to see the final love story in book six!

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I am obsessed would be an understatement. I have not stopped thinking about this book since I finished it. The emotions, the trauma, the feelings that our characters don't recognize or understand, and the HEALING. Y'all. this book did me in.

Let's start with Dav, our gray, sweet, absolute DADDY. I want to hug him, love him, and let him tell me what to do. He has hidden so many emotions for soooo long. My heart broke for him and cried multiple times.

Then there is Lazerath. Oh my lovely ADHD Lazerath. He is so clueless but also not at the same time. And I felt his distress and confusion on a spiritual level.

And finally, Rosalind, Rose, my queen. She takes care of everything and everyone but who takes care of her? DAV AND LAZERATH. THAT'S WHO. I have loved seeing little glimpses of her in the other books, but I had been impatiently waiting on her book and I'm so glad it's here.

I'm now convinced that any book by Laura Winter will destroy me, and I'm okay with that. Also, the spice made up for my soul destruction.

[ReedRyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each of the Falling for Demons books so far have been teasing Rosalind's brilliance, and her book does not disappoint. The perfectionist who started the entire Human-Demon foster situation is every bit as motivated and driven as all the other characters think.
Her struggle is *moderation*. Im sure not a single person reading this has ever struggled with "one more chapter" or "one more (insert food item here)".
Focussing on Davarox and Lazerath as Bakers at the Lovable Loaf, missing bits of the Mystery of Achreos Barrens are filled in while the throuple navigate their feelings and needs.
I was delightfully surprised by the care given to the BDSM dynamic and the new things we learn about demon anatomy.
in my opinion, this is the best look yet at the people of Heck. (im a big BDSM girlie and also poly tho, so YMMV).
I cannot wait to get my peepers on Elliran's story to finalise the whole series - though they can be read standalone.

[Sara Toerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist is my first Laura Winter book, but it won’t be my last! Rosalind (Rose) is a human who has found herself stuck in the demon realm, but being the hardworking perfectionist she is she’s making it work. Lazerath and Davarox are best friends who own the bakery, The Loveable Loaf. When they all end up together sparks fly and Laz and Dav think maybe Rose could be the one for them. The two demons are so unbelievably charming and have such depth to their characters, and I think Rose will connect with all the burnt out, people pleasing perfectionists just trying to keep going. Between the banter and genuine friendship of Laz and Dav, and the fantastic spice and connection between the three characters you’ll want to absolutely read this book! Do yourself a favor if you’ve got the sads and pick up this wonderful paranormal romance!

[Kimmie Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy to be back in Heck for book 5 of Falling for Demons.

Getting to know Rosalind and see her taking charge to make sure the humans are taken care of in their new home of Heck. We get a better look at how things run and the demons that run the city.

Rosalind is convinced to take a night off and a one night stand with the incredible Laz and Dav turns into something more.

Navigating the dynamics of the relationship and learning comfort with two best friends (one of them has had feelings for the other since they met), this cozy story will hit you right in the feels. Anxiety struggles and finding acceptance, this story hits deep and hard at some points. We get plenty of cameos from some of the other humans and a new favorite as well.

I love this series, they just get better and better.

[Cait Ireen | caitireenreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️
3/5🌶️

Such a cute read from a new-to-me author! I loved the cozy vibes and the fast-paced romance storyline. Insta love is always a hit for me, and this had a pretty quick build-up and explosion of spice. I was totally game! It was lower stakes in terms of conflict but had fun developments of the characters and the world-building. I found it to be a quick and enjoyable read. Lots of emphasis on the spice, but I was here for it. Absolutely a cute and fun read.

What I Loved About This Story:
✨Demons & humans… but regular life!
✨A fun poly relationship with discovery of feelings
✨Cozy setting and low stakes
✨The spice was uh-spicin’!!!!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy via the author, but my review is all my own.

[L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose is settling into Heck and is trying to make a difference for everyone rooting out government corruption when she meets Laz and Dav and finds a special connection to both of them.

Laz and Dav’s friendship relationship was so cute and secondhand embarrassing to watch. They’re both secretly in love but don’t want to ruin the friendship and it’s tragic and adorable, thank goodness Rose came in to set them straight but it’s still not a smooth ride. I loved the spice and the variety was great. This was my first book from the series so it was a little bit of catch up on the world building and characters but I think I understood most of the references and stories. Lovable regardless and I’m definitely going back to read the others.

[SarahQ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review

Cozy demon romcom, this is book 5 in a series of interconnected standalones following 6 human women and their journey into Heck (lol)

This book had its moments! I giggled, I blushed, I clutched my pearls 😱 Absolutely filthy smut lmao. My very first MMF read and good news, the boyfriends are also boyfriends. Laz and Dav are too cute, I believed their companionship but I found myself wanting more of just them. Rosalind felt too fast/instalove. Overall this one just didn't hit for me, but it was still peppered with humor and I enjoyed myself.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooooooh baby talk about sexyyyyyyy. Why choose??? YES PLS 🤭Laz, Dav and rose were truly meant to be. Also the plot lining up finally was a relief. Once the time line connected with the others it all clicked across all books. Rose is a badass who really stuck to her guns to help the human women live, be successful and to ultimately all find love. These books are so cute, so cozy and I can’t get enough of this world. It’s a fluffy slightly dark fantastical romance. Can’t wait to read Kats story next.

Edit
After letting this marinate I realized that Laz has always loved Dav more than he himself knew. He named the bakery after Dav for god sakes!!!! HIS LOVABLE LOAF😭🥹

[Marylovesreading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist
by Laura Winter
Narrated by Raven Wildewood & Luke Atticus

This book was packed with spicy content but lacked the storyline and character development I was hoping for. I felt like the romance and world-building took a back seat, with the focus placed more on the steamy momentsw than on building a meaningful plot.

The narrators did a great job with the material they were given and brought energy and personality to the characters. Unfortunately, even strong performances couldn’t make up for the lack of substance in the story.

This one just wasn’t for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape for the ALC.

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

😈🧁 How Not to Pursue Your Human Perfectionist 🧁😈

I am absolutely obsessed with this entire series! Somehow, each book just keeps getting better and better. The MMCs in this book were so sweet! I loved Laz & Dav so much!

✨ Laz & Rosalind & Dav foreverrr ✨

I love the world-building for this series so much!

💜 What to Expect
• Why Choose Romance
• Demon Romance
• Soulmates
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Friends to Lovers
• Cinnamon Roll MMC
• Bakery Setting
_ ___

📅 Pub Date: July 21, 2026
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Jess Firlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that this was a throuple until I reached the 3rd chapter and the 3rd POV.

I genuinely liked all three main characters and the mental health representation.

There were multiple passages that I needed to listen to multiple times to understand what was going on though.

Favorite quotes:
"I believe Ozirax calls this 'having emotions'."

Somehow Rosalie's next breath was easier, "Umm, that's not just a demon concept."

"Hmm, I'm still undecided on the topic." Kalypso said with a shrug.

[Danielle Savoye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aaaaaah I love this series and this book is beautiful!!! Two demons unrequited love find they were only missing their human to make the perfect family. How they go from a good life to the best is a very soul warming journey with some sexy spice mixed in perfectly. I think this was the best of the series so far…which is hard to say because each one has been amazing as standalone and I’m invested in the world as well and wondering how the plot concludes

[DoctorCopper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book five in the series Falling for Demons and what an improvement. The fourth book was such a disappointment, but Laura Winter got it back on track.
FYI, this is the spiciest book yet.
A low-stakes read but such fun time. Laz is a bit chaotic but loveable, Dav is so protective snd caring, and while Rosalind fits with them, her character’s story did feel a bit short-changed and underdeveloped.
All in all, a good time.

[Michalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the Falling for Demons series and it was cute. This was a new for me author and I’ll definitely be reading more of their work. Rose is in the demon world trying to be helpful and also to protect the humans that are there. In a one night stand she meets Laz and Dav. The story is sweet with some angst, steam and longing. They all have their insecurities and the drama created from it. I enjoyed this little romp through the demon world.

[Nicoleta D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one down, I can’t believe this series is nearly over, I’m going to miss these characters and the cosy little world Laura and AK have created together. This was a beautiful story of 3 characters that are lowkey all super anxious and need reassurance with a beautiful ever changing dynamic. The spice was done incredibly well and the story itself was beautiful.
The only downside is I wish this was longer 😅