What do you think?
Rate this book
Passing Through Cafe #3
Luxuries of Lust: Passing Through Cafe, Book 3
When it came to love, Rusty had resigned himself to never being enough, and Gem knew he would always be too much. Turns out, they were both wrong.
As a Pyclon from Lust, Rusty learned early the cruel rules of the Pentagram. Happiness is for the privileged. Hope for the weak. And absolutely nothing comes free. So he accepts a life of happy enough, of good enough, of just…enough. Anything more is impossible for someone like him.
That is, until he meets Gemae Akyllo.
With a brain that never rests and an ass that won't quit, Gem is objectively a lot. His physical size is rivaled only by that of his personality—neither of which he will ever apologize for—but there's a cost. He's fun for a night, chosen first for a good time, but come morning, his bed is cold and empty. Always wanted, but never kept.
That is, until he meets Rusty Róisyn.
Rusty never wanted love, and Gem doesn't need it. But together, they find it all the same.
Join Gem and Rusty and the rest of the eccentric staff of the Passing Through Cafe in Nik Knight's rom-com, urban fantasy series, full of found family, absurd antics, healing hope, and a love that takes their hearts by storm.
As a Pyclon from Lust, Rusty learned early the cruel rules of the Pentagram. Happiness is for the privileged. Hope for the weak. And absolutely nothing comes free. So he accepts a life of happy enough, of good enough, of just…enough. Anything more is impossible for someone like him.
That is, until he meets Gemae Akyllo.
With a brain that never rests and an ass that won't quit, Gem is objectively a lot. His physical size is rivaled only by that of his personality—neither of which he will ever apologize for—but there's a cost. He's fun for a night, chosen first for a good time, but come morning, his bed is cold and empty. Always wanted, but never kept.
That is, until he meets Rusty Róisyn.
Rusty never wanted love, and Gem doesn't need it. But together, they find it all the same.
Join Gem and Rusty and the rest of the eccentric staff of the Passing Through Cafe in Nik Knight's rom-com, urban fantasy series, full of found family, absurd antics, healing hope, and a love that takes their hearts by storm.
Audible Audio
First published June 13, 2025
98 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Nik Knight
31 books621 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
July 4, 2025
I am a puddle of mushy goo. Rustyyyyyyy 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Cuteness overload …
Despite all the euphoria, I have to say that this book was exhausting for me, which I expected, so it's not bad. But I knew that even though Gem is a great main character, he would be a pain in my ass.
But if you've read the first two books in this series, then you just know that this is going to be a basket case and you should probably only read this book if you liked the first two? I don't know, I'd be careful about recommending it because actually all three books up to this point require a lot of patience. And my eyes have also gotten a good workout from all the rolling.
However, Rusty is simply the best and I knew I would love his story.
I have to admit, I couldn't imagine him with Gem ... it just didn't fit visually in my head. But the book won me over.
These two together are truly unique.
Rusty had loved the rain, once upon a time. Back when his mother had been happy. And healthy. And alive. But then she’d died, and she’d taken every ounce of wonder and hope and love with her. 😭😩😪🤧
“Choke on my dick.”
“Honey, I only choke when I want to.” Gem flipped his hair obnoxiously. “But it’s adorable that you think I still have a gag reflex.”
On the threshold of the bathroom, Rusty paused, whiskers twitching madly before something naughty gleamed in his eyes, and he smirked. “Finally something we have in common.”
Gem’s jaw dropped as Rusty swung the door shut between them. “Ahhh, Rusty! You just made a sex joke. I’m so proud of you.” 🤭🤭🤭
Gem huffed and puffed until he seethed, “Oh, you are—sometimes, you drive me up the fucking wall!”
“Me?” Honestly, Rusty had never been more offended. “Have you met you? Your whole personality consists of driving me crazy.” 🤣😂🤣
“Did you just call my stomach a snack pack?”
“No,” Gem said dubiously.
“Yeah, you did,” Rusty insisted, and Gem shook his head, turning his face into Rusty’s belly completely.
His voice came out muffled as he said, “I would never call your tummy your snack pack. Or your cookie jar. Or your cupcake clutch. I would never say that. Even if I think it,” he added quietly at the end, like he thought Rusty couldn’t hear him. 🫠🫠🫠
Cuteness overload …
Despite all the euphoria, I have to say that this book was exhausting for me, which I expected, so it's not bad. But I knew that even though Gem is a great main character, he would be a pain in my ass.
But if you've read the first two books in this series, then you just know that this is going to be a basket case and you should probably only read this book if you liked the first two? I don't know, I'd be careful about recommending it because actually all three books up to this point require a lot of patience. And my eyes have also gotten a good workout from all the rolling.
However, Rusty is simply the best and I knew I would love his story.
I have to admit, I couldn't imagine him with Gem ... it just didn't fit visually in my head. But the book won me over.
These two together are truly unique.
Rusty had loved the rain, once upon a time. Back when his mother had been happy. And healthy. And alive. But then she’d died, and she’d taken every ounce of wonder and hope and love with her. 😭😩😪🤧
“Choke on my dick.”
“Honey, I only choke when I want to.” Gem flipped his hair obnoxiously. “But it’s adorable that you think I still have a gag reflex.”
On the threshold of the bathroom, Rusty paused, whiskers twitching madly before something naughty gleamed in his eyes, and he smirked. “Finally something we have in common.”
Gem’s jaw dropped as Rusty swung the door shut between them. “Ahhh, Rusty! You just made a sex joke. I’m so proud of you.” 🤭🤭🤭
Gem huffed and puffed until he seethed, “Oh, you are—sometimes, you drive me up the fucking wall!”
“Me?” Honestly, Rusty had never been more offended. “Have you met you? Your whole personality consists of driving me crazy.” 🤣😂🤣
“Did you just call my stomach a snack pack?”
“No,” Gem said dubiously.
“Yeah, you did,” Rusty insisted, and Gem shook his head, turning his face into Rusty’s belly completely.
His voice came out muffled as he said, “I would never call your tummy your snack pack. Or your cookie jar. Or your cupcake clutch. I would never say that. Even if I think it,” he added quietly at the end, like he thought Rusty couldn’t hear him. 🫠🫠🫠
June 18, 2025
⭐️ ALL THE STARS ⭐️
🎧𝓈𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽 — 𝒞𝒽𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓇𝑜 𝒷𝓎 𝐵𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 𝐸𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓈𝒽🎧
// But there's a part of me that recognizes you
Do you feel it too? //
I’ve been waiting for a Rusty and Gem book since we met them in Passing Through Purgatory, and at the time I didn’t dare dream of them getting together, but they did and now I read it and my heart is bursting and I kinda want to read it all over again.
Luxuries Of Lust was emotional, hilarious, heartwarming. I’m so in love with the crazy Café family. Rusty, though. Rusty I love the most. He’s a grumpy pink fox/raccoon creature, touch-starved, fluffy care bear — what’s not to love?? Plus, the purring and the scent-marking had me giggling and awww-ing every two seconds, and I just want to cuddle him so so much.
From coworkers, to improbable friends, to a beautiful love story.
Sleepovers, secrets under blanket forts, friend dates, anime marathons.
Grumpy vs sunshine, chatty vs silent, the sweetest slow burn.
I loved seeing Rusty slowly get more comfortable around Gem, how they embraced each others differences, the lovely building-up of feelings, the tension between them.
I could honestly go on forever, gushing about this book.
I’m a bit sad it’s over, but I’m looking forward to whatever Nik Knight will bring in the next installments. I’m hoping for Dex, the newly hired Himbro, or Zef and his growing friendship with his human roommate. I adore this demon world, but Rusty and Gem will forever be the best couple, and I’m legit tearing up now ‘cause I just love them so much.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Grief/death of a parent (off page)
- Discussions of previous sex work
- Allusions to SA/abuse (past)
- Themes of classism/sexism/bigotry
- Non-consensual drugging (not between characters)
- Top/bottom
- Feminization
- Light power play
- Tail play
- Demon-docking (tbh I’m still confused about this one)
- Biting/scratching
- Discussions of mental health
- Non-human genitalia
- Just the tip
- Rimming
- 69
🎧𝓈𝑜𝓃𝑔 𝓂𝒶𝓉𝒸𝒽 — 𝒞𝒽𝒾𝒽𝒾𝓇𝑜 𝒷𝓎 𝐵𝒾𝓁𝓁𝒾𝑒 𝐸𝒾𝓁𝒾𝓈𝒽🎧
// But there's a part of me that recognizes you
Do you feel it too? //
Gem touched him so easily, like it was the most natural thing in the world to get close to him, and Rusty wasn’t sure what to do with it.
I’ve been waiting for a Rusty and Gem book since we met them in Passing Through Purgatory, and at the time I didn’t dare dream of them getting together, but they did and now I read it and my heart is bursting and I kinda want to read it all over again.
“I don’t want to inspire your fantasies, Gem!”
“Then don’t send me sexy pictures!”
Luxuries Of Lust was emotional, hilarious, heartwarming. I’m so in love with the crazy Café family. Rusty, though. Rusty I love the most. He’s a grumpy pink fox/raccoon creature, touch-starved, fluffy care bear — what’s not to love?? Plus, the purring and the scent-marking had me giggling and awww-ing every two seconds, and I just want to cuddle him so so much.
Gem was like the sun, and after so long living in shadow, Rusty had forgotten what it felt like to bask in the light.
From coworkers, to improbable friends, to a beautiful love story.
Sleepovers, secrets under blanket forts, friend dates, anime marathons.
Grumpy vs sunshine, chatty vs silent, the sweetest slow burn.
“I guess I stopped believing in magic a long time ago,” he finally said, soft as a secret. Gem reached up and dragged his knuckle along Rusty’s furry jaw. “I’ll help you remember how, if you want.”
I loved seeing Rusty slowly get more comfortable around Gem, how they embraced each others differences, the lovely building-up of feelings, the tension between them.
I could honestly go on forever, gushing about this book.
He’d already fallen, hadn’t he? Tripped head over ass before Rusty had even kissed him for the first time.
I’m a bit sad it’s over, but I’m looking forward to whatever Nik Knight will bring in the next installments. I’m hoping for Dex, the newly hired Himbro, or Zef and his growing friendship with his human roommate. I adore this demon world, but Rusty and Gem will forever be the best couple, and I’m legit tearing up now ‘cause I just love them so much.
He was allowed to be happy; he was allowed to have beautiful things. And by gods, if this wasn’t the most beautiful thing of all. ❤︎
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Grief/death of a parent (off page)
- Discussions of previous sex work
- Allusions to SA/abuse (past)
- Themes of classism/sexism/bigotry
- Non-consensual drugging (not between characters)
- Top/bottom
- Feminization
- Light power play
- Tail play
- Demon-docking (tbh I’m still confused about this one)
- Biting/scratching
- Discussions of mental health
- Non-human genitalia
- Just the tip
- Rimming
- 69
June 5, 2025
Oh my god 🥹🥹🥹🥹 No, but seriously, how the fuck are these guys so fucking adorable 😍
I have wanted Rusty and Gem's story since book one and this was so perfect!!!
Rusty and Gem are just so sweet. I loved how we got to see them really getting to know each other by spending so much quality time together, and the pair of them falling in love just felt so special.
Rusty opening up to Gem about his past was so beautiful, and the way Rusty cares for Gem and finds him such perfect gifts was amazing to read.
Gem wanting Rusty to have everything that makes him happy was so heartwarming, and introducing him to his family just determined that these two are my favourite couple in the series.
There was a lot of humour again too, particularly Gem's rambling in nervous situations, which was like watching a slow mo car crash 😂
I'm excited to see what comes next for this found family of demons!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
I have wanted Rusty and Gem's story since book one and this was so perfect!!!
Rusty and Gem are just so sweet. I loved how we got to see them really getting to know each other by spending so much quality time together, and the pair of them falling in love just felt so special.
Rusty opening up to Gem about his past was so beautiful, and the way Rusty cares for Gem and finds him such perfect gifts was amazing to read.
Gem wanting Rusty to have everything that makes him happy was so heartwarming, and introducing him to his family just determined that these two are my favourite couple in the series.
There was a lot of humour again too, particularly Gem's rambling in nervous situations, which was like watching a slow mo car crash 😂
I'm excited to see what comes next for this found family of demons!
*****
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
March 3, 2026
Rusty and Gem have had a complicated past and they both tried to not be attracted to each other but it didn’t work very well and I just adored reading all about it, it was such an enjoyable dynamic. I loved how they both loved to tease and annoy the other as a way to show affection, it just so fun to read about.
I just adored how well these two complimented each other. Rusty is more closed off and is used to doing everything by himself and Gem never met someone he cannot charm and is just the sweetest soul. I just loved all of their interactions, so much. I loved seeing them get more comfortable with each other as the book went on and I loved seeing them open up more and more, it was such a thing of beauty. They were such a good support system for each other and I loved reading all about it so much.
The relationship progression in this one was jusr the best. I read this 500+ pages book in less than 24 hours because there was no way in hell I was putting it down as soon as I had a minute to read, I was so obsessed.
This book made me feel EVERYTHING. I was just so happy for Gem and Rusty but also I kept crying every 5 minutes because I was happy for them and so excited for them. It just such a good mix and made for a lovely reading experience.
I just adored how well these two complimented each other. Rusty is more closed off and is used to doing everything by himself and Gem never met someone he cannot charm and is just the sweetest soul. I just loved all of their interactions, so much. I loved seeing them get more comfortable with each other as the book went on and I loved seeing them open up more and more, it was such a thing of beauty. They were such a good support system for each other and I loved reading all about it so much.
The relationship progression in this one was jusr the best. I read this 500+ pages book in less than 24 hours because there was no way in hell I was putting it down as soon as I had a minute to read, I was so obsessed.
This book made me feel EVERYTHING. I was just so happy for Gem and Rusty but also I kept crying every 5 minutes because I was happy for them and so excited for them. It just such a good mix and made for a lovely reading experience.
November 30, 2025
This was perfect I loved it so much! I’ve been waiting on gem & Rusty’s book & it was perfection. So excited for more of the series!
June 15, 2025
Ugh I may have cried several times while reading this. Gem has been my fave since book one and I was ecstatic for his book. He just never stops digging a hole he’s started digging unless someone else stops him (if they can). He has no chill and is mostly unapologetically himself, but Rusty gave him the rest of the unconditional acceptance he thought he was missing. I knew I was going to cry during Rusty’s book as soon as he had his first real conversation with Oliver in book one. He was defensive, but for a reason, and needed a steamroller of a person to help break down those barriers in a safe way. They were so precious together and I love them.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: discussion of past teen sex work, grief, death of parent (past), poverty (past), speciesism, allusions to past SA, drugging by potential sex partner that doesn’t end in SA (not between main characters), classism, bigotry, mental health discussions, sexual harassment of teen (side character)
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: discussion of past teen sex work, grief, death of parent (past), poverty (past), speciesism, allusions to past SA, drugging by potential sex partner that doesn’t end in SA (not between main characters), classism, bigotry, mental health discussions, sexual harassment of teen (side character)
July 24, 2025
Gem and rusty🥹😫 I loved this book so much like this deserves all the stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cried, I laughed and blushed this book is literally everything 😭😭😭😭😭 both getting the HEA they deserve 🩷🩷🩷🩷
October 12, 2025
I’ve enjoyed this series so much, but this book was on another level. The amount of emotions between these two characters was just incredible all while keeping its signature humor.
Gem and Rusty have been hinted at since book one and the wait was well worth it. This is a slow burn, friends to lovers story that shows some amazing growth in these characters. These two are crazy in the best way! Rusty is the best grump and deserves everything, and Gem is so sunny, he’s just the one to give it to him. One of my favorite part of this is how Gem is always shrieking in laughter. It just felt so good to see the way he makes Rusty feel. Just loved everything about this story. There are so many characters, but they all feel so individual and have so many great quirks. So much fun.
MM Urban Fantasy
Friends To Lovers
Hurt / Comfort
Unapologetic Sunshine
Grumpiest Grump
Found Family
Slow Burn
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Gem and Rusty have been hinted at since book one and the wait was well worth it. This is a slow burn, friends to lovers story that shows some amazing growth in these characters. These two are crazy in the best way! Rusty is the best grump and deserves everything, and Gem is so sunny, he’s just the one to give it to him. One of my favorite part of this is how Gem is always shrieking in laughter. It just felt so good to see the way he makes Rusty feel. Just loved everything about this story. There are so many characters, but they all feel so individual and have so many great quirks. So much fun.
MM Urban Fantasy
Friends To Lovers
Hurt / Comfort
Unapologetic Sunshine
Grumpiest Grump
Found Family
Slow Burn
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
June 16, 2025
absolutely adored
This book was everything. Very emotional at times. Gem was so relatable. Loved that this plot developed organically, and without the need for a third act break up. It had many comedic moments, that absolutely made me laugh my ass off.
This book was everything. Very emotional at times. Gem was so relatable. Loved that this plot developed organically, and without the need for a third act break up. It had many comedic moments, that absolutely made me laugh my ass off.
July 30, 2025
OBSESSED 😍
June 25, 2025
Series: Passing Through Cafe #3
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
After reading the previous books, I was so excited to get to this book because Rusty and Gem were my two favorite characters. We have also seen small teases of how their relationship was getting closer in the previous books, so I was excited to read what happened. Not only that, this is dual POV, which made me extremely happy because I needed both sides of the story with these two.
Rusty has had a rough life but working at the Passing Through Cafe has been the best part of the past few years. He now has friends who actually care about him but he still keeps barriers between them out of fear. I have adored Rusty since the first book and I fell even more in love with him after this book. He was so closed off but wanted desperately to be a part of the group. I really loved the progression of him letting Gem in and opening up about his past. Also, his courting of Gem was beautiful and sweet. I couldn’t get enough of it.
“I don’t know. I think it’s, like, I’m generally a lot. I overwhelm and annoy people, maybe? Or like, I’m too intense or just too much for people.” “Then they’re not your people,” Rusty said simply. “You’re a lot of you, sure. But no one can be too much of themselves. Like you’re just you, and that should be okay.”
Gem was spunky, snarky, and so sweet. I loved how fun and open Gem is about his life. It was a great contrast with Rusty being grumpy and closed off. Gem was just perfect with Rusty. He sets out to just become a better friend of Rusty’s and helps him start to have fun, but quickly starts falling for him. The best part, for me, was that Gem let Rusty set the pace and never pushed Rusty to do anything he didn’t want to do. He even helps Rusty get over some of the trauma and make new memories to replace it.
“You’re more beautiful than the rain and the stardust and the desert combined.”
Rusty and Gem were just absolutely adorable! They are definitely my favorite couple for this series! Their friends to lovers romance was perfectly paced and full of emotion. Their friendship was adorable to begin with, but how these two supported each other was the icing on the cake. Their friendship was so strong and realistic that I couldn’t put the book down. I adored that Gem let Rusty set the pace of their relationship and never pushed for anything. Also the banter between Rusty and Gem was hilarious and perfect. I laughed and smiled so much while reading this book. Basically, I just really loved these two and I have no complaints with their relationship.
Overall, this was perfect and I adored these two so much. I am actually a bit sad that their book is over because I couldn’t get enough of them, and their banter. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
TW: PTSD and flashbacks; sexual harassment; death of mother discussed; grief; discussions of being a teenage sex worker; teenage homelessness; one MMC has their drink spiked; alcohol use;
Rating: 5 stars - I loved it!
After reading the previous books, I was so excited to get to this book because Rusty and Gem were my two favorite characters. We have also seen small teases of how their relationship was getting closer in the previous books, so I was excited to read what happened. Not only that, this is dual POV, which made me extremely happy because I needed both sides of the story with these two.
Rusty has had a rough life but working at the Passing Through Cafe has been the best part of the past few years. He now has friends who actually care about him but he still keeps barriers between them out of fear. I have adored Rusty since the first book and I fell even more in love with him after this book. He was so closed off but wanted desperately to be a part of the group. I really loved the progression of him letting Gem in and opening up about his past. Also, his courting of Gem was beautiful and sweet. I couldn’t get enough of it.
“I don’t know. I think it’s, like, I’m generally a lot. I overwhelm and annoy people, maybe? Or like, I’m too intense or just too much for people.” “Then they’re not your people,” Rusty said simply. “You’re a lot of you, sure. But no one can be too much of themselves. Like you’re just you, and that should be okay.”
Gem was spunky, snarky, and so sweet. I loved how fun and open Gem is about his life. It was a great contrast with Rusty being grumpy and closed off. Gem was just perfect with Rusty. He sets out to just become a better friend of Rusty’s and helps him start to have fun, but quickly starts falling for him. The best part, for me, was that Gem let Rusty set the pace and never pushed Rusty to do anything he didn’t want to do. He even helps Rusty get over some of the trauma and make new memories to replace it.
“You’re more beautiful than the rain and the stardust and the desert combined.”
Rusty and Gem were just absolutely adorable! They are definitely my favorite couple for this series! Their friends to lovers romance was perfectly paced and full of emotion. Their friendship was adorable to begin with, but how these two supported each other was the icing on the cake. Their friendship was so strong and realistic that I couldn’t put the book down. I adored that Gem let Rusty set the pace of their relationship and never pushed for anything. Also the banter between Rusty and Gem was hilarious and perfect. I laughed and smiled so much while reading this book. Basically, I just really loved these two and I have no complaints with their relationship.
Overall, this was perfect and I adored these two so much. I am actually a bit sad that their book is over because I couldn’t get enough of them, and their banter. I can’t wait to read more of this series.
TW: PTSD and flashbacks; sexual harassment; death of mother discussed; grief; discussions of being a teenage sex worker; teenage homelessness; one MMC has their drink spiked; alcohol use;
December 25, 2025
Luxuries of Lust by Nik Knight
💎💎💎💎💎 5 Gem's Stars
📚 Book Three of Passing Through Cafe Series
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone
⬆️ Ebook ARC
😏 Adult MM Contemporary Urban Fantasy Romance
👆 Hurt & Comfort
📖 Rom-Com
🖤 Dark & Unhinged Humor 🤣
😈 Hell World (Pentagram)
&
😏 "Wild/Kinky" Demons Hilarious Shenanigans
👉 Two POV Third-Person Narrative
🦝 Pyclon x Araknis 🕷 (Demons)
Straight-up Pinky Furry x Very... Very "Bad Girl" Vibes
🐈⬛ Black Cat Energy x Golden Retriever Energy 🐶
😡 Grumpy x Sunshine 😁
🌈 Co-Workers to ☺️ Friends to 💘 Lovers
🥰 Talkative Chaos Gremlin x Quiet Care Bear
🧲 Opposites Attract
🐮 Crazy Cow Fan
🌜 Sleepovers & Girl-Talk & Anime Binge-watching 🤩
😏 Size Difference (I love it🥵)
🌶🌋 Kinky Spice Menu... feminization, light power play, tail play, demon-docking, hair-pulling, biting, and scratching
🍆 Collection of all Kinds of Dildos and "Assortments" 😏
🥵 Slow-Burn (but... hot damn)
🔥 Spicy Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
MC's:
👉😊💎☕️🕷 Gemae 'Gem' Akyllo:
"Araknis: Species of demon resembling a spider. Common features include eight eyes, eight spindly limbs, wider hips/butts, and tall heights."
🕷 A sunshiney, quirky, multitasking barista at the Passing Through Cafe. He works with his bestie Toni (from the second book) and, as expected, is friendly with everyone, a true and trusting friend.
🕷 He’s open, loud, and a big presence. So genuinely Gem... he says exactly what he thinks and is a rollercoaster of rambling!
🕷 His family is very unique and present in his life.
👉🤨🎨☕️🦊/🦝 Rusty 'Rus' Róisyn (25):
"Pyclon: Species of demon resembling a raccoon. Common features include fur, canines, fuzzy ears, striped tails, and claws."
🦝 Server at the Passing Through Cafe.
🦝 Rus is a reserved pink fox/raccoon and the sweetest caretaker (a true care bear).
🦝 In his teens, life became very dark and difficult.
He was a homeless teenage orphan who had to become a sex worker to survive until he started working at the cafe... and was finally embraced by friendships and a new family. 🥹
🦝 My sweet and fluffy Rus is so touch-starved... I wanted to hug him and take care of him with so much love!
🦝 His passion is drawing. He’s a self-taught amateur artist.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
⚠️ Low Angst
⚠️ Alcohol Consumption
⚠️ Grief/Death of a Parent (off page)
⚠️ Poverty (past)
⚠️ Mental Health Discussions
⚠️ Previous Sex Work Discussions
⚠️ Allusions to SA/Abuse (past)
⚠️ Themes of Speciesism, Classism, Sexism, Bigotry
⚠️ Sexual Harassment of Teen (side character)
⚠️ Non-Consensual Drugging (not between MCs)
⚠️ On-Page Marijuana Use
💫 Perfect Misfit Found Family
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters
🥰 Love The Ending
😍 HEA
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Demonlicious Stars
🦝🕷💬 My Thoughts🕷🦝:
📖👉 An easy read with uniquely written demon fantasy world-building.
🤗 Since the first book, I’ve been waiting for Rus and Gem’s story... I couldn’t stop thinking about them.
❤️🔥 This book tells the beautiful, funny, and emotional journey of Gem and Rus’s friendship and love, with their eccentric coworkers at the Passing Through Cafe (the best side characters ever 😍).
It’s full of banter, moments of reflection, and heartfelt moments.
🥹 🫠 Our grumpy Rus and sunshine Gem... they melted my heart!
👌 These two are simply wonderful. Their personalities complement each other so well. There's balance and authenticity in their dynamic.
🥰 Gem’s eccentric personality and sincerity bring the energy, while Rusty’s more reserved, crunchy nature balances him out perfectly. You can’t help but love them.
💞 Their relationship develops naturally... platonic and truly a friendship at first, built on trust and understanding, which makes their connection so special.
🥵 The spice was chef’s kiss 🤌... steamy, kinky, and emotional, but never too much.
Nik Knight always finds the perfect balance between plot, action (so many shenanigans 🤭), romance, and heat.
😂🤣 I laughed so much, swooned, and cried too. 😢🤧
😵💫 I’m OBSESSED with this series.
🥳 The whole series is a gem and deserves to be read in order. Every detail matters, and every character is unforgettable.
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
🕷🦝🌜 I'm definitely going to read this again 🌛🦝🕷
💯 I'm looking forward to reading the following books in this Series... Zef and Bryce!
😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
StoryGraph Review
BookBub Review
Reviews On Goodreads
My Socials
💎💎💎💎💎 5 Gem's Stars
📚 Book Three of Passing Through Cafe Series
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone
⬆️ Ebook ARC
😏 Adult MM Contemporary Urban Fantasy Romance
👆 Hurt & Comfort
📖 Rom-Com
🖤 Dark & Unhinged Humor 🤣
😈 Hell World (Pentagram)
&
😏 "Wild/Kinky" Demons Hilarious Shenanigans
👉 Two POV Third-Person Narrative
🦝 Pyclon x Araknis 🕷 (Demons)
Straight-up Pinky Furry x Very... Very "Bad Girl" Vibes
🐈⬛ Black Cat Energy x Golden Retriever Energy 🐶
😡 Grumpy x Sunshine 😁
🌈 Co-Workers to ☺️ Friends to 💘 Lovers
🥰 Talkative Chaos Gremlin x Quiet Care Bear
🧲 Opposites Attract
🐮 Crazy Cow Fan
🌜 Sleepovers & Girl-Talk & Anime Binge-watching 🤩
😏 Size Difference (I love it🥵)
🌶🌋 Kinky Spice Menu... feminization, light power play, tail play, demon-docking, hair-pulling, biting, and scratching
🍆 Collection of all Kinds of Dildos and "Assortments" 😏
🥵 Slow-Burn (but... hot damn)
🔥 Spicy Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
MC's:
👉😊💎☕️🕷 Gemae 'Gem' Akyllo:
"Araknis: Species of demon resembling a spider. Common features include eight eyes, eight spindly limbs, wider hips/butts, and tall heights."
🕷 A sunshiney, quirky, multitasking barista at the Passing Through Cafe. He works with his bestie Toni (from the second book) and, as expected, is friendly with everyone, a true and trusting friend.
🕷 He’s open, loud, and a big presence. So genuinely Gem... he says exactly what he thinks and is a rollercoaster of rambling!
🕷 His family is very unique and present in his life.
👉🤨🎨☕️🦊/🦝 Rusty 'Rus' Róisyn (25):
"Pyclon: Species of demon resembling a raccoon. Common features include fur, canines, fuzzy ears, striped tails, and claws."
🦝 Server at the Passing Through Cafe.
🦝 Rus is a reserved pink fox/raccoon and the sweetest caretaker (a true care bear).
🦝 In his teens, life became very dark and difficult.
He was a homeless teenage orphan who had to become a sex worker to survive until he started working at the cafe... and was finally embraced by friendships and a new family. 🥹
🦝 My sweet and fluffy Rus is so touch-starved... I wanted to hug him and take care of him with so much love!
🦝 His passion is drawing. He’s a self-taught amateur artist.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
⚠️ Low Angst
⚠️ Alcohol Consumption
⚠️ Grief/Death of a Parent (off page)
⚠️ Poverty (past)
⚠️ Mental Health Discussions
⚠️ Previous Sex Work Discussions
⚠️ Allusions to SA/Abuse (past)
⚠️ Themes of Speciesism, Classism, Sexism, Bigotry
⚠️ Sexual Harassment of Teen (side character)
⚠️ Non-Consensual Drugging (not between MCs)
⚠️ On-Page Marijuana Use
💫 Perfect Misfit Found Family
👏 Solid Character Development
💯 Best Side Characters
🥰 Love The Ending
😍 HEA
Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Demonlicious Stars
🦝🕷💬 My Thoughts🕷🦝:
📖👉 An easy read with uniquely written demon fantasy world-building.
🤗 Since the first book, I’ve been waiting for Rus and Gem’s story... I couldn’t stop thinking about them.
❤️🔥 This book tells the beautiful, funny, and emotional journey of Gem and Rus’s friendship and love, with their eccentric coworkers at the Passing Through Cafe (the best side characters ever 😍).
It’s full of banter, moments of reflection, and heartfelt moments.
🥹 🫠 Our grumpy Rus and sunshine Gem... they melted my heart!
👌 These two are simply wonderful. Their personalities complement each other so well. There's balance and authenticity in their dynamic.
🥰 Gem’s eccentric personality and sincerity bring the energy, while Rusty’s more reserved, crunchy nature balances him out perfectly. You can’t help but love them.
💞 Their relationship develops naturally... platonic and truly a friendship at first, built on trust and understanding, which makes their connection so special.
🥵 The spice was chef’s kiss 🤌... steamy, kinky, and emotional, but never too much.
Nik Knight always finds the perfect balance between plot, action (so many shenanigans 🤭), romance, and heat.
😂🤣 I laughed so much, swooned, and cried too. 😢🤧
😵💫 I’m OBSESSED with this series.
🥳 The whole series is a gem and deserves to be read in order. Every detail matters, and every character is unforgettable.
▪︎FAV QUOTES▪︎
😅🤣■ “If I ever went to jail, I’d create a harem of beefy guys to protect me,” Gem said as he slid several drinks over the counter to waiting customers. “They’d be my security bitches, and I’d reward them.” He waggled his eyebrows at Rusty as he added, “Generously.”
Oliver laughed as Rusty rolled his eyes, and Toni paused in the kitchen doorway, holding the swinging doors open as he gave Gem a proud onceover. “Gemmy, if anyone could reign as queen in prison, it’d be you.”
Gem preened. “You’re godsdamned right. My rule would be firm but fair, and I’d petition the prison execs for cuter uniforms because orange is not my color.”
“I’d feel safer in prison if you were in charge,” Oliver said sincerely, and Gem pressed two hands to his chest.
“Aw, Ollie. That’s so sweet. I’d make you my favorite bitch.”
Chest swelling, Oliver shot Rusty a smug grin. “Hear that? I’d be Gem’s favorite.”
...
With a snort, Rusty shook his head and folded a new bakery box. “How about we just avoid prison all together?”
“He’s so jealous,” Gem whispered loudly in Oliver’s ear.
“So jealous,” Oliver agreed, mouth twitching with the need to smile. A growl rumbled in Rusty’s chest, making both Gem and Oliver laugh, but their conversation was derailed as another wave of customers flowed into the cafe. Even though Rusty was scowling, the amused sway to his tail gave him away, and it filled Gem’s belly with crackling warmth as he returned to his spot behind the espresso machine.
🥹 🫠■ “Maybe different would have been better,” Rusty admitted.
“But then we’d be different,” Gem said, framing Rusty’s face in his top hands as he smiled so fondly at him. “And I happen to like you exactly as you are.”
🕷🦝🌜 I'm definitely going to read this again 🌛🦝🕷
💯 I'm looking forward to reading the following books in this Series... Zef and Bryce!
😉 Thanks for reading hope this helps you out!
I received this book as a gift from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
StoryGraph Review
BookBub Review
Reviews On Goodreads
My Socials
June 11, 2025
"𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚢𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚜. 𝙷𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛. 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎, 𝙶𝚎𝚖 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚗; 𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚔𝚎𝚙𝚝."
This book was so freaking cute!! I just loved Gem and Rusty. Watching their friendship grow was lovely and then to see it organically and slowly move into romantic territory was just a joy. Both Rusty and Gem came into this with their own emotional baggage. Gem believed his personality was always going to be too much for a long-term partner, while Rusty continuously thought of himself as unworthy of a person like Gem. It was heartbreaking to see how the cruelty of other people had led to their self-doubt.
"𝙿𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜, 𝙶𝚎𝚖."
It was fun seeing everyone's reactions to finding out these two were dating. And just like Gem and Rusty, I was definitely worried about Toni. I couldn't decide if I thought it would have been better for Gem to get it over with and tell him before he found out from someone else or if he was smart keeping it under wraps as long as he did in order for him and Rusty to get some time to themselves before things got crazy.
"𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚝 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚣𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜."
Meeting Gem's enormous family was definitely a highlight. I loved seeing them take to Rusty like he was one of their own. I think he needed that after being alone for so long. Rusty's snark hid a kind and generous heart and I was so glad that everyone was finally able to see it shine through in the end.
This book was so freaking cute!! I just loved Gem and Rusty. Watching their friendship grow was lovely and then to see it organically and slowly move into romantic territory was just a joy. Both Rusty and Gem came into this with their own emotional baggage. Gem believed his personality was always going to be too much for a long-term partner, while Rusty continuously thought of himself as unworthy of a person like Gem. It was heartbreaking to see how the cruelty of other people had led to their self-doubt.
"𝙿𝚎𝚘𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚊𝚞𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜, 𝙶𝚎𝚖."
It was fun seeing everyone's reactions to finding out these two were dating. And just like Gem and Rusty, I was definitely worried about Toni. I couldn't decide if I thought it would have been better for Gem to get it over with and tell him before he found out from someone else or if he was smart keeping it under wraps as long as he did in order for him and Rusty to get some time to themselves before things got crazy.
"𝙸 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗, 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚏𝚒𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚝 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚌𝚛𝚊𝚣𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚜𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢𝚜."
Meeting Gem's enormous family was definitely a highlight. I loved seeing them take to Rusty like he was one of their own. I think he needed that after being alone for so long. Rusty's snark hid a kind and generous heart and I was so glad that everyone was finally able to see it shine through in the end.
July 5, 2025
I was so excited to read Gem and Rusty's story, and this did not disappoint! It was hilarious, but also had some emotional moments where we learned about Rusty's past, but also about how Gem has been treated by past partners. The banter between Gem and Rusty was awesome, and I was cackling and laughing so much! I loved Gem's rambling and his stream of conciousness talking and how Rusty listened to it all, because he just enjoyed listening to Gem talk. I loved that they felt so safe with each other that they could be themselves right from the start with traumas, quirks, interests and over the top antics. I love the drama Gem brings, and I love how much fun him and Rusty have. Rusty is a complex character and he rarely lets down his walls, but it was great to see him open up to Gem. Both of them were exactly what the other needed and it was great to see their relationship progress.
It was great to be back at the Passing Through Cafe and see everyone. As usual, their scenes are hilarious and so much fun! The banter in this group is so good, I look forward to reading group scenes when it comes to this crew. It's always great to see what this crew gets up to. And now I'm excited to see what the future holds for all of these great characters.
If you're searching for a demon/monster romance with a great found family, grumpy/sunshine vibes, a lot of humor and laughs and some hurt/comfort, then this is the book for you!
It was great to be back at the Passing Through Cafe and see everyone. As usual, their scenes are hilarious and so much fun! The banter in this group is so good, I look forward to reading group scenes when it comes to this crew. It's always great to see what this crew gets up to. And now I'm excited to see what the future holds for all of these great characters.
If you're searching for a demon/monster romance with a great found family, grumpy/sunshine vibes, a lot of humor and laughs and some hurt/comfort, then this is the book for you!
June 25, 2025
If I wasn't so busy right now, I would have devoured this book in two point five seconds. Rusty and Gem were just so adorable. I really couldn't get enough of their cuteness!
June 29, 2025
5 cow Stars
⭐
ARC Read: 22/06/2025
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. 🥰
🫶 MM Adult Monster Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
👉 Monster x Demon (Spider x Racoon)
👉 Friends To Lovers
🤌 Size Difference
👉 Co-Workers
👉 Grumpy x Sunshine
👉 Feminization Kink
👉 Small Top x Big Bottom
👉 Light Power Play
👉 Demon-Docking
👉 Non-human Genitalia
👉 Tail Play
👉 Biting & Cratching
👉 Hair Pulling
👉 ADHD Rep
👉 Genderqueer Rep
👉 Demisexual Rep
👉 Bisexual Rep
👉 Cow Closet
😈 Hell Dimension
🫂 Found Family
🎉 Tons Of Shenanigans & Tomfoolery
☕️ Cozy Coffe Place
👉 Rom-Com HILARIOUS
+ Dark Humor
👉 Medium-Angst
👉 Hurt/Comfort
🙌 Loving All The Characters In This World
Content/Trigger Warnings:
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Series: Passing Through Cafe #3
Format: Ebook/ARC
POV: 3rd Person - Single POV
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - Rusty: he/him, cis-male, monster racoon, a Pyclon.
5/5 - Gem: he/him, genderqueer-man, monster spider, a Araknis.
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: High Focus
Humor: Over The Roof
Angst: Low Focus
Cheating?
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger
Favorite character?
This is my 3rd 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.
Click Here For: My StoryGraph Review|My Bookbub Review|
Where To Find My Reviews: GOODREADS|STORYGRAPH|BOOKBUB|
My Socials: LINKTR.EE|INSTAGRAM|BLUESKY|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK|TUMBLR|AO3|
ARC Read: 22/06/2025
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. 🥰
🫶 MM Adult Monster Romance 🫣 🥵🤌
👉 Monster x Demon (Spider x Racoon)
👉 Friends To Lovers
🤌 Size Difference
👉 Co-Workers
👉 Grumpy x Sunshine
👉 Feminization Kink
👉 Small Top x Big Bottom
👉 Light Power Play
👉 Demon-Docking
👉 Non-human Genitalia
👉 Tail Play
👉 Biting & Cratching
👉 Hair Pulling
👉 ADHD Rep
👉 Genderqueer Rep
👉 Demisexual Rep
👉 Bisexual Rep
👉 Cow Closet
😈 Hell Dimension
🫂 Found Family
🎉 Tons Of Shenanigans & Tomfoolery
☕️ Cozy Coffe Place
👉 Rom-Com HILARIOUS
+ Dark Humor
👉 Medium-Angst
👉 Hurt/Comfort
🙌 Loving All The Characters In This World
Content/Trigger Warnings:
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Series: Passing Through Cafe #3
Format: Ebook/ARC
POV: 3rd Person - Single POV
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - Rusty: he/him, cis-male, monster racoon, a Pyclon.
5/5 - Gem: he/him, genderqueer-man, monster spider, a Araknis.
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 5/5
Romance: High Focus
Humor: Over The Roof
Angst: Low Focus
Cheating?
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger
Favorite character?
This is my 3rd book by Nik Knight.
Enjoyment: 5/5
Passing Through Cafe Series:
1.
2.
3.
!! 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.
Click Here For: My StoryGraph Review|My Bookbub Review|
Where To Find My Reviews: GOODREADS|STORYGRAPH|BOOKBUB|
My Socials: LINKTR.EE|INSTAGRAM|BLUESKY|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK|TUMBLR|AO3|
June 30, 2025
I've been looking forward to Rusty's story since book 1, and when I found out he'd be paired with Gem? Yes, please! This was absolutely lovely, yet not without its flaws.
Okay, let's start with the things I wasn't that big a fan of. While part of me understands why Gem and Rusty's story needed a bit of an overlap with the previous two books... I'm never a fan of series that do this unless it's done really well and for a good reason, but the fact is that we've essentially seen a lot of these events three times in a row now and it's a bit much. Second, the world building is very impressive, but I feel like I need to study the glossary at the end of the book like it's the final exam of the school year to be able to get all of it. There are so many mentions of the different species in this world and every single time I have to check the glossary and it takes me out of the story a bit.
And yet, I'm still giving it four stars because of Rusty and Gem. I love these two so much. Gem is a big personality and we love him for it. He's fabulous, he's amazing, he's Gem. And then we have Rusty, who just... casually breaks my heart all over the place and I want to hug him and love on him and pet him and feed him snacks, okay? He's the most precious and I adore him so much. Their growing bond and romance are so beautiful and I loved it so very much. It's everything.
I really enjoy Nik's books, and I think they have a lot of potential as an author! I look forward to what they'll bring us in the future.
Okay, let's start with the things I wasn't that big a fan of. While part of me understands why Gem and Rusty's story needed a bit of an overlap with the previous two books... I'm never a fan of series that do this unless it's done really well and for a good reason, but the fact is that we've essentially seen a lot of these events three times in a row now and it's a bit much. Second, the world building is very impressive, but I feel like I need to study the glossary at the end of the book like it's the final exam of the school year to be able to get all of it. There are so many mentions of the different species in this world and every single time I have to check the glossary and it takes me out of the story a bit.
And yet, I'm still giving it four stars because of Rusty and Gem. I love these two so much. Gem is a big personality and we love him for it. He's fabulous, he's amazing, he's Gem. And then we have Rusty, who just... casually breaks my heart all over the place and I want to hug him and love on him and pet him and feed him snacks, okay? He's the most precious and I adore him so much. Their growing bond and romance are so beautiful and I loved it so very much. It's everything.
I really enjoy Nik's books, and I think they have a lot of potential as an author! I look forward to what they'll bring us in the future.
March 12, 2026
5 ☆ rating.
Within 5 % of the book, my eyes start to water, godsdamned you Rusty and your tragic poetic life. It was the rain bit that got me, it caught me off guard, fast and swift.
This is exactly what was expected from Gem and Rusty as main characters. The bickering, the chemistry, the cumplicity, the mutual understanding, the RESPECT, the friendship, the hilarity, and the absurdity... *chef's kiss*. I'm gobsmacked at how the author managed this level of layers. Talking about plot and character development...
It's beautiful, how the main characters have some much depth... and multitudes!
Everything about this book is simply remarkable. I loved every second. I laughed so much, its so much fun, I really had a great time.
And on top of that, it's such a sexy book. It's just not fair, honestly... so so hot, and at the same time extremely funny. I thought i couldn't possibly pick a favorite, but to be honest, I kind of do have a favorite... it's Gem! I know, I know, very predictable, but his attitude, his reactions, his whole energy... it's impossible for me to not immediately be drawn to him. His so gender, and OTT, and chaotic. CONCLUSION: I really want to be friends 🫶 (lmao, it's true tho).
I'm absolutely in love with this band of sexy demons, and humans of course. I can't wait to read all about Zeff 💚, and the next installment, I'm so here for the sexy demon monters and cute demon-simping humans.
Within 5 % of the book, my eyes start to water, godsdamned you Rusty and your tragic poetic life. It was the rain bit that got me, it caught me off guard, fast and swift.
This is exactly what was expected from Gem and Rusty as main characters. The bickering, the chemistry, the cumplicity, the mutual understanding, the RESPECT, the friendship, the hilarity, and the absurdity... *chef's kiss*. I'm gobsmacked at how the author managed this level of layers. Talking about plot and character development...
It's beautiful, how the main characters have some much depth... and multitudes!
Everything about this book is simply remarkable. I loved every second. I laughed so much, its so much fun, I really had a great time.
And on top of that, it's such a sexy book. It's just not fair, honestly... so so hot, and at the same time extremely funny. I thought i couldn't possibly pick a favorite, but to be honest, I kind of do have a favorite... it's Gem! I know, I know, very predictable, but his attitude, his reactions, his whole energy... it's impossible for me to not immediately be drawn to him. His so gender, and OTT, and chaotic. CONCLUSION: I really want to be friends 🫶 (lmao, it's true tho).
I'm absolutely in love with this band of sexy demons, and humans of course. I can't wait to read all about Zeff 💚, and the next installment, I'm so here for the sexy demon monters and cute demon-simping humans.
March 12, 2026
Hands down my favourite of the series so far.
This is still way too long and a repetitive but it's the perfect combination of grumpy/sunshine + hurt/comfort that really works for me. Give me a lonely, misunderstood MC (Rusty) and a too-big personality underestimated MC (Gem) combo any day thank you very much! Plus the growing longing and yearning! And still silly and fun. Exactly what I needed. Bonus for the very thoughtful handling of sex work.
If these books weren't so darn long, it would be fun to do a tandem read of all three books in chronological order. But alas, I can't imagine re-reading the first two books. I might revisit Gem and Rusty though.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from the author and Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Book 3 of my 2026 Trans Rights Readathon. I will be donating to LGBT YouthLine, which offers free peer support to 2SLGBTQ youth in my home province.
The Trans Rights Readathon is an annual call to action to readers and book lovers in support of Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31st. It runs from March 17-31 but I like to start early on March 1!
We are calling on the reader community to read and uplift books written by and/or featuring trans, nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-nonconforming authors and characters.
This is still way too long and a repetitive but it's the perfect combination of grumpy/sunshine + hurt/comfort that really works for me. Give me a lonely, misunderstood MC (Rusty) and a too-big personality underestimated MC (Gem) combo any day thank you very much! Plus the growing longing and yearning! And still silly and fun. Exactly what I needed. Bonus for the very thoughtful handling of sex work.
If these books weren't so darn long, it would be fun to do a tandem read of all three books in chronological order. But alas, I can't imagine re-reading the first two books. I might revisit Gem and Rusty though.
I received a digital Advance Reader Copy from the author and Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Book 3 of my 2026 Trans Rights Readathon. I will be donating to LGBT YouthLine, which offers free peer support to 2SLGBTQ youth in my home province.
The Trans Rights Readathon is an annual call to action to readers and book lovers in support of Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) on March 31st. It runs from March 17-31 but I like to start early on March 1!
We are calling on the reader community to read and uplift books written by and/or featuring trans, nonbinary, 2Spirit, and gender-nonconforming authors and characters.
March 6, 2026
genuinely don't think I can articulate in words exactly how I feel about this book. there are so many scenes in this that had me cackling my ass off and then 5 min later crying because these characters deserve the world and think they don't. found family has always been such a loved trope of mine and this series does found family in such an interesting way. like these guys have no boundaries and the stuff that comes out of half these characters' mouths are the most out of pocket things and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Gem is my favorite. he is dramatic af and just unapologetically himself. confident while also being insecure about the things he cannot control. I just love him. and then the grumpy/sunshine dynamic of him and Rusty *swoon*.
Rusty had me wanting to hug him so much and the way that his and Gem's blossomed so beautifully, I could cry.
I have so many things to say but honestly this series is just such a comfort one for me and the characters in it are so human and realistic because people are jealous and insecure by nature especially when they've gone through shit in their lives, do these things that these characters do still also make me wanna lock them in a room and force them to talk yes, but it's relatable and makes them all the more human to me.
Gem is my favorite. he is dramatic af and just unapologetically himself. confident while also being insecure about the things he cannot control. I just love him. and then the grumpy/sunshine dynamic of him and Rusty *swoon*.
Rusty had me wanting to hug him so much and the way that his and Gem's blossomed so beautifully, I could cry.
I have so many things to say but honestly this series is just such a comfort one for me and the characters in it are so human and realistic because people are jealous and insecure by nature especially when they've gone through shit in their lives, do these things that these characters do still also make me wanna lock them in a room and force them to talk yes, but it's relatable and makes them all the more human to me.
January 12, 2026
Absolutely INCREDIBLE! This was the best book I have read/listened to in such a LONG TIME!
I honestly don’t even know how to put into words everything I loved about it but after books one & two I was at the edge of my seat to find out how Gem & Rusty were going to end up getting together and my gawd every single moment was perfection!
We get so many scenes on page of them together, having conversations that range from casual workplace banter to more and more heartfelt & deep emotional conversations, especially with Rusty opening up and talking to Gen about his mom. Seeing Rusty’s walls come down brick by brick simultaneously broke my heart & made me so freaking happy.
Also just think- Rusty hasn’t had any sort of real, loving physical comfort and touch since his mom died (approximately ten years before the start of the book) and Gem has SIX hands to comfort, pet, and hug him with. Absolutely fucking lovely 🥹
And with the entire cafe crew involved, there was potential for some drama but instead we get the greatest love declaration I’ve read in MONTHS, if not in the last year.
I honestly don’t even know how to put into words everything I loved about it but after books one & two I was at the edge of my seat to find out how Gem & Rusty were going to end up getting together and my gawd every single moment was perfection!
We get so many scenes on page of them together, having conversations that range from casual workplace banter to more and more heartfelt & deep emotional conversations, especially with Rusty opening up and talking to Gen about his mom. Seeing Rusty’s walls come down brick by brick simultaneously broke my heart & made me so freaking happy.
Also just think- Rusty hasn’t had any sort of real, loving physical comfort and touch since his mom died (approximately ten years before the start of the book) and Gem has SIX hands to comfort, pet, and hug him with. Absolutely fucking lovely 🥹
And with the entire cafe crew involved, there was potential for some drama but instead we get the greatest love declaration I’ve read in MONTHS, if not in the last year.
June 8, 2025
5 stars
I mean, how could this not be 5 stars? This whole series has been amazing so far, and I have been looking forward to Gem and Rusty's since the beginning. They did not disappoint. This had the same ridiculous shenanigans with the PTC crew, but it also had a bit more emotion and vulnerability compared to the first two books. Somehow, this book did manage to be both too long and not long enough, but I'm not mad about it. I love this series so much, and I absolutely LOVE Gem and Rusty. They must be protected at all costs. This definitely needs to be read in order, so I highly recommend checking out the first two books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I mean, how could this not be 5 stars? This whole series has been amazing so far, and I have been looking forward to Gem and Rusty's since the beginning. They did not disappoint. This had the same ridiculous shenanigans with the PTC crew, but it also had a bit more emotion and vulnerability compared to the first two books. Somehow, this book did manage to be both too long and not long enough, but I'm not mad about it. I love this series so much, and I absolutely LOVE Gem and Rusty. They must be protected at all costs. This definitely needs to be read in order, so I highly recommend checking out the first two books in this series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 10, 2026
I was so excited for this book. Rusty has been my favourite character from the start and I wanted to learn more about him. Gem is also a super fun character, but he did get to be a little much at times. Also, maybe because it has been a bit of time since reading the previous books in the series, but there was no physical character descriptions, even just as a refresher, and several words and terms that weren’t explained (wtf does ‘gaze’ really mean). It didn’t hugely affect my comprehension(I just inferred meaning from context), but it was noticeable enough that it took me out of the story for a second. I still liked this book and it was a fun read, but not as strong as I wanted and expected.
June 15, 2025
This is by far my favorite book in this series. These two are perfect grumpy/sunshine and hurt/comfort, which are two of my favorite tropes ever.
Rusty's past is painful. Gem is a precious angel. I loved the build-up of their friendship and later their relationship. It was a natural progression and just felt so realistic with Rusty being demisexual.
I can't tell you how many times I laughed or cried while reading this book. All I know is I never wanted it to end. Ever.
The found family is all there, and there's been some new additions.
I recommend reading books 1 and 2, or else you might be missing something when it comes to Rusty, Gem, and the whole gang.
Rusty's past is painful. Gem is a precious angel. I loved the build-up of their friendship and later their relationship. It was a natural progression and just felt so realistic with Rusty being demisexual.
I can't tell you how many times I laughed or cried while reading this book. All I know is I never wanted it to end. Ever.
The found family is all there, and there's been some new additions.
I recommend reading books 1 and 2, or else you might be missing something when it comes to Rusty, Gem, and the whole gang.
March 18, 2026
OMG RUSTY AND GEM, GEM AND RUSTY, WHY ARE THEY SO PERFECT? And by perfect, I obviously mean a double hot mess but perfect together. This is the type friends to lovers I love!! All the hurt comfort, all the acceptance, and ultimately perfect FEELING FILLED SPICE.
This was surely my favorite in the series, and I enjoyed them all! Gem is just an absolute hoot so of course his book is non stop laughs, with our sweet Rusty brininging so many feels as well! ( and peep the shmink tags so see what a ‘ naughty girl ‘ Gem can be 😉
HIGHLY RECOMMEND 💗❤️❤️🩹🔥
This was surely my favorite in the series, and I enjoyed them all! Gem is just an absolute hoot so of course his book is non stop laughs, with our sweet Rusty brininging so many feels as well! ( and peep the shmink tags so see what a ‘ naughty girl ‘ Gem can be 😉
HIGHLY RECOMMEND 💗❤️❤️🩹🔥
June 8, 2025
Luxuries of Lust is the third book in the Passing Through Cafe series. This book could be read as a standalone but book 1 and 2 run concurrently with each other and most of the world building is done there I would suggest reading the series in order. This is the story of Gem and Rusty which I have really been looking forward to since the first book. This story didn't disappoint either. This book felt like it had more emotional content than the first two books in the series. Like the other stories we get plenty of humor. I loved how Gem and Rusty started as friends before becoming something more. These two were just perfect for each other. I loved the found family aspect of the story. I hope there will be more books in the series. I would definitely recommend this book and series.
March 7, 2026
Amazing!!!
I wanted this story so much. I adore Gem and don’t tell Rusty but he’s the cutest Care Bear. I especially loved when Rusty and Toni had their talk. I think it was just what needed to happen then. I lived for Gem’s ramblings lol.
I wanted this story so much. I adore Gem and don’t tell Rusty but he’s the cutest Care Bear. I especially loved when Rusty and Toni had their talk. I think it was just what needed to happen then. I lived for Gem’s ramblings lol.
June 21, 2025
I knew that Gem and Rusty’s book was going to be smutty but this took it to a whole other level.
Hoping the next book is Zef’s ?
Hoping the next book is Zef’s ?
January 21, 2026
Out of the current three in this series, I cried the hardest reading this book!
Definitely the best book of this series so far.
Definitely the best book of this series so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews