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Passing Through Cafe #4
Enchanted by Envy
An asexual Mantodea who yearns to be seen. A tender-hearted human who can’t look away.
Zefryn Ootyk is many things, but flexible is not one of them. They thrive on routine, boundaries, and a carefully constructed comfort zone—one that is immediately disrupted when their new human roommate moves in.
Accepted last minute to a study abroad program in the Hell dimension, Bryce Elliot is prepared for culture shock, awkward cohabitation, and possibly a little danger. What he doesn’t anticipate is falling head over heels for his demon roommate or how much patience—and baby teeth—it takes to win Zef’s affections.
Two roommates. One temporary arrangement. And deepening feelings neither of them planned for.
What could possibly go right?
Join Zef, Bryce, and the rest of the eccentric staff of The Passing Through Cafe in this laugh-out-loud LGBTQ+ urban fantasy rom-com, full of found family, comical cuddles, extraordinary exploration, and a love that knows no limits.
Zefryn Ootyk is many things, but flexible is not one of them. They thrive on routine, boundaries, and a carefully constructed comfort zone—one that is immediately disrupted when their new human roommate moves in.
Accepted last minute to a study abroad program in the Hell dimension, Bryce Elliot is prepared for culture shock, awkward cohabitation, and possibly a little danger. What he doesn’t anticipate is falling head over heels for his demon roommate or how much patience—and baby teeth—it takes to win Zef’s affections.
Two roommates. One temporary arrangement. And deepening feelings neither of them planned for.
What could possibly go right?
Join Zef, Bryce, and the rest of the eccentric staff of The Passing Through Cafe in this laugh-out-loud LGBTQ+ urban fantasy rom-com, full of found family, comical cuddles, extraordinary exploration, and a love that knows no limits.
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2026
68 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
Nik Knight
31 books619 followersNik Knight (they/them) is a born and bred Hoosier living in a top-secret location in Europe. They are a single parent to two wonderful gremlins, and they write love in all its forms.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
When they aren’t busy adulting, Nik can be found in their writing nook, typing away as their fingers turn to nubs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
March 14, 2026
Adorable. I’m so glad Zef’s story lived up to my expectations. They’re just so special, and Bryce was the perfect match for them.
March 17, 2026
Yay! Aspec rep! Wonderful. Enlightening. And relatable, well minus the stunning fantasy demon realm dimension.
I love fiction. This is great gateway for escaping our very dull and bleak reality. The world building is fascinating, and tremendously interesting. Nik Knight makes their main and side characters so attractive, their personalities, how they think, how they interact with each other. I'm completely captivated by the "Passing Through" Cafe group, or, according to Tad (probably), gang.
One of my favorite parts of every book in this series isk the chosen family element. It's wholesome, it warms my insides like cozy unconditional loving blanket...
This book's level of spicy is none, like the author mentioned in the content warning section. So it's different from the other books, yes, but absolutely steamy. So steamy and hot, so fun and interesting. And SO cozy ❤️. It's from Nik Knight, so there's a certain level of spice, but it's on a aspec level. Our wonderful MCs take their time, their space. The overall pacing of book is very well balanced. And their chemistry... phenomenal. The amazing genuine real friendships we get to read throughout the book, from the beginning through the end, are heart warming. Tad is unhinged and unapologetic, and I love her. The D&D was a huge bonus, always is, imo. Such a funny book as always, I lost count of how many times I lol, even my teared up from laughing so hard.
Spoiler not spoiler:
I love fiction. This is great gateway for escaping our very dull and bleak reality. The world building is fascinating, and tremendously interesting. Nik Knight makes their main and side characters so attractive, their personalities, how they think, how they interact with each other. I'm completely captivated by the "Passing Through" Cafe group, or, according to Tad (probably), gang.
One of my favorite parts of every book in this series isk the chosen family element. It's wholesome, it warms my insides like cozy unconditional loving blanket...
This book's level of spicy is none, like the author mentioned in the content warning section. So it's different from the other books, yes, but absolutely steamy. So steamy and hot, so fun and interesting. And SO cozy ❤️. It's from Nik Knight, so there's a certain level of spice, but it's on a aspec level. Our wonderful MCs take their time, their space. The overall pacing of book is very well balanced. And their chemistry... phenomenal. The amazing genuine real friendships we get to read throughout the book, from the beginning through the end, are heart warming. Tad is unhinged and unapologetic, and I love her. The D&D was a huge bonus, always is, imo. Such a funny book as always, I lost count of how many times I lol, even my teared up from laughing so hard.
Spoiler not spoiler:
Read
March 22, 2026I can't rate this considering I picked up knowing full well it probably wasnt for me but I was still excited because i'm the biggest sucker for soft love, I live for the moments where it's all mushy feelings from the small acts of hugging/cuddling and kissing so I really thought that once Zef got more comfortable with touching Bryce that I was going to loooove this. And I did love them so much once they started courting but unfortunately I found myself wanting more of them by the time the story ended...
The story didn't really click for me until around the 40% mark and then I really found myself enjoying it but when it came to an end I was disappointed that we didn't get to see how Zef and Bryce went about with the long distance, I would've LOVED to see that and see them reunite after being afar for long, who was the one who decided it was time to move?! How did Zef's friends react to the news? I wanted to see Zef make their soaps at the farm.😭 what about the earrings?😭
I dunno, it was all very slice of life so it felt like a missed opportunity to really show how their new life together looked like. I loved Zef and Bryce so much, even tho the story is about them it still feels like I didn't get enough of them. But it could literally just be me wanting more from the endings so nothings new on that front. 😒
The story didn't really click for me until around the 40% mark and then I really found myself enjoying it but when it came to an end I was disappointed that we didn't get to see how Zef and Bryce went about with the long distance, I would've LOVED to see that and see them reunite after being afar for long, who was the one who decided it was time to move?! How did Zef's friends react to the news? I wanted to see Zef make their soaps at the farm.😭 what about the earrings?😭
I dunno, it was all very slice of life so it felt like a missed opportunity to really show how their new life together looked like. I loved Zef and Bryce so much, even tho the story is about them it still feels like I didn't get enough of them. But it could literally just be me wanting more from the endings so nothings new on that front. 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2026
ARC REVIEW
Oh, how I adored this book. I usually swim in the deep end of dark romance, the pitch black kind soaked in morally gray men and pages practically steaming from all the smut… and yet this story didn’t need any of that. Not one brooding antihero teetering on the edge of damnation. And somehow, it was still flawless.
The relationship dynamic between them? Absolutely magical. Intimate in a way that sneaks up on you and grips your heart. I literally screamed the first time their hands touched. Just their hands. No dramatic confession, no explicit scene. A simple brush of fingers that felt more intimate than anything scandalous could ever be.
And when Zef explained how he experiences pleasure, the way he perceives sensation and connection so differently, so purely… I nearly cried. It wasn’t lust. It was vulnerability. It was discovery. It was that trembling moment of letting someone see how your world feels from the inside.
They are both so beautiful it aches. Beautiful in the way they choose gentleness. Beautiful in the way they protect each other without turning it into possession. Beautiful in the way their love grows quietly but fiercely, like a flame that refuses to go out.
I was so happy the entire time I was reading that I suddenly realized… I didn’t even miss the smut. Not once. That’s how powerful their connection was. It fed me in a completely different way.
Nik always surprises us with masterpieces, but this book? This one is gold. Not the loud, glittering kind. The molten, glowing kind that seeps into your bones and stays there.
Oh, how I adored this book. I usually swim in the deep end of dark romance, the pitch black kind soaked in morally gray men and pages practically steaming from all the smut… and yet this story didn’t need any of that. Not one brooding antihero teetering on the edge of damnation. And somehow, it was still flawless.
The relationship dynamic between them? Absolutely magical. Intimate in a way that sneaks up on you and grips your heart. I literally screamed the first time their hands touched. Just their hands. No dramatic confession, no explicit scene. A simple brush of fingers that felt more intimate than anything scandalous could ever be.
And when Zef explained how he experiences pleasure, the way he perceives sensation and connection so differently, so purely… I nearly cried. It wasn’t lust. It was vulnerability. It was discovery. It was that trembling moment of letting someone see how your world feels from the inside.
They are both so beautiful it aches. Beautiful in the way they choose gentleness. Beautiful in the way they protect each other without turning it into possession. Beautiful in the way their love grows quietly but fiercely, like a flame that refuses to go out.
I was so happy the entire time I was reading that I suddenly realized… I didn’t even miss the smut. Not once. That’s how powerful their connection was. It fed me in a completely different way.
Nik always surprises us with masterpieces, but this book? This one is gold. Not the loud, glittering kind. The molten, glowing kind that seeps into your bones and stays there.
March 5, 2026
4.75/5. I will never get over this entire series. Ever. Fucking perfection. Everything is just so good. I do have a serious question, though. Exactly how long did you laugh when the whole “Watermelon Crawl” scene was written? Because you can’t tell me it was written with a straight face. No one can write, “He called it the Watermelon Crawl, which Zef found amazingly exotic,” and not completely fucking lose it. I feel so old rn. 🥲 But yeah, this book was just as wonderful and hilarious and beautiful as the ones before it. This is easily one of my favourite series of all time. I can’t wait for more.
—I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.—
—I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews (GRR). All ratings, reviews, and opinions are my own.—
March 11, 2026
I actually don’t have the words right now but I love them so big it actually hurts
March 16, 2026
I love this series and I love the adorable found family! 🥰
Ever since reading the first book I was so intrigued and excited to get Zef’s book and it did not disappoint!
Zef and Bryce were wonderful ❤️
Ever since reading the first book I was so intrigued and excited to get Zef’s book and it did not disappoint!
Zef and Bryce were wonderful ❤️
March 15, 2026
This book is tender, romantic, and so very intimate. I've never read a book with asexual rep quite like this. It's so special. So soft. So understanding. Absolutely brilliant.
I laughed and cried A LOT. 🤣😭
If this catches your eye, please start with book one. The found family aspect of this series is everything. You need to know the relationships with the other characters to really understand this book.
I laughed and cried A LOT. 🤣😭
If this catches your eye, please start with book one. The found family aspect of this series is everything. You need to know the relationships with the other characters to really understand this book.
March 19, 2026
Ok. Thanks for always making me sob Nik Knight. Every time it gets me right in the feels The absolute deeply embedded intimacy and passion in this story. It was Love. Just love. ❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 “I know I care for you very deeply, and I know I wish to explore what that means and how it might develop.” stars
Bryce was not their other half, because without him, they were still whole. But he was their soul match, their mirror-self, and yes, they loved him. This love was still new, still in its infancy, but it would grow, and it would bloom. When it did, it would be beautiful and fragrant and full of life.
Mini-Blurb: Bryce is a vet and he’s doing classes in hell and he needs a place to stay and Zef says that Bryce can stay with them. Bryce and Zef start conversing and spending time together and realize that what’s growing between them is more than friendship.
This book is very slow burn and we get to see Zef and Bryce develop a connection over time and start being more and more comfortable around each other and I just adored every seconds of their bonding moments. It was so entertaining for me to read and I really struggled to put this book down because I was so enthralled by the interactions between Bryce and Zef and I loved seeing them develop over time and grow into the very fierce love they shared for each other. The way these two supported each other and were always there for each other, it was a thing of beauty. There was so much love and understanding in their every interactions and it was just so lovely to read about. Zef doesn’t really enjoy physical touch but over the course of the book they learn to really enjoy it with Bryce and reading all about it was just so lovely to me. Seeing how they both reacted to a simple touch and how much it meant to them was just so good.
This was Bryce, their dear friend and roommate, and now, their suitor. They had never felt more safe or cared for or wanted than in his presence. They did not have to be afraid of this intimacy, not when it was Bryce sharing it with them.
I always say that books where the process of a budding relationship is shown in a ton of details and we get to see them hang out and discover everything about each other is my favourite thing to read about and this book just executed this so perfectly. I was just so invested in their romantic development and every little bit of it was just so enjoyable for me to read. Also, my favourite thing to read about is quiet time where the characters just hang out together as they do an activity and just exists in the same space and there was so much of it in this book and I adored every second of it.
Also, Zef is one of favourite book characters in the entire world, I just adore them, so so much. Zef is so reserved but so sassy and chatty when they get to know someone and it was so wonderful to witness it. I just adored how they were always so well spoken and honest to a fault, and how they are so curious about the world and their love of learning new things.
Bryce was not their other half, because without him, they were still whole. But he was their soul match, their mirror-self, and yes, they loved him. This love was still new, still in its infancy, but it would grow, and it would bloom. When it did, it would be beautiful and fragrant and full of life.
Mini-Blurb: Bryce is a vet and he’s doing classes in hell and he needs a place to stay and Zef says that Bryce can stay with them. Bryce and Zef start conversing and spending time together and realize that what’s growing between them is more than friendship.
This book is very slow burn and we get to see Zef and Bryce develop a connection over time and start being more and more comfortable around each other and I just adored every seconds of their bonding moments. It was so entertaining for me to read and I really struggled to put this book down because I was so enthralled by the interactions between Bryce and Zef and I loved seeing them develop over time and grow into the very fierce love they shared for each other. The way these two supported each other and were always there for each other, it was a thing of beauty. There was so much love and understanding in their every interactions and it was just so lovely to read about. Zef doesn’t really enjoy physical touch but over the course of the book they learn to really enjoy it with Bryce and reading all about it was just so lovely to me. Seeing how they both reacted to a simple touch and how much it meant to them was just so good.
This was Bryce, their dear friend and roommate, and now, their suitor. They had never felt more safe or cared for or wanted than in his presence. They did not have to be afraid of this intimacy, not when it was Bryce sharing it with them.
I always say that books where the process of a budding relationship is shown in a ton of details and we get to see them hang out and discover everything about each other is my favourite thing to read about and this book just executed this so perfectly. I was just so invested in their romantic development and every little bit of it was just so enjoyable for me to read. Also, my favourite thing to read about is quiet time where the characters just hang out together as they do an activity and just exists in the same space and there was so much of it in this book and I adored every second of it.
Also, Zef is one of favourite book characters in the entire world, I just adore them, so so much. Zef is so reserved but so sassy and chatty when they get to know someone and it was so wonderful to witness it. I just adored how they were always so well spoken and honest to a fault, and how they are so curious about the world and their love of learning new things.
March 19, 2026
A warm cozy hug of an angst-free urban fantasy romance.
Read when you’re in the mood for a quiet slowly immersive journey into a positive version of a Hell dimension, filled with all kinds of beings of all different makeups and rich, layered cultures and characters.
This was more of a 3 for me as a read just because it has little conflict, and I eat up conflict, but I can’t rate it lower than 4. It’s lovely and thoughtful and the characters are kind, accepting, wonderful beings who respect and support each other and find joy in their differences rather than any fear or doubt.
Zef’s a VERY particular person, and touch averse, likes everything in specific places, and even wants to vaccum in the exact same direction every time. They’re a Mantodea, a species that is self-fertilizing and often live in communal societies where everyone pitches in and helps raise children.
Zef isn’t still in their home community; they work in the Greed café of the previous characters and have their own nice quiet apartment. They just lost a roommate when things went sour, and now are trepidatious about having agreed to take in a new one, but they’ve met human vet Bryce and know he’s a nice gentle person, so they’re willing to take a chance.
Turns out their personalities and ways of being are highly complementary, and Bryce’s thoughtfulness extends to consideration of Zef��s particularities at home. They share values and respect for the ways others are without judgement, and the story winds up showing two very different people whose friendship chemistry resonates into a warm, comforting love that, at a very respectful, slow-burn pace, grows into a special intimacy that works for them both.
It did feel slow, but I very much enjoyed all the cultures and unique characters and the friend circle the author has created in this diverse and oft times hilarious world. It’s complex and enchanting and beautifully developed, and I enjoyed seeing the dryad culture, the Mantodeans, and going home with Bryce too and seeing Zef experience life with his family on his ranch in Montana.
Their only obstacle is their lives in two different dimensions, but these two realized they were end game and were willing to put in the work and figure out how to move forward. Total grownups all the way.
The secondary character friend group shenanigans are chaos as usual, and take-no-prisoners Tad became my particular favorite in this read.
HEA, different beings/species falling in love, Hell/Purgatory dimension and our world urban romantasy. Ace rep, and while I’m no expert, it felt respectful and thoughtful. No OP action; extremely minor moment of OP drama just from meeting Zef’s long-ago beau. Totally safe for me. Recommended. Definitely a unique series.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
Read when you’re in the mood for a quiet slowly immersive journey into a positive version of a Hell dimension, filled with all kinds of beings of all different makeups and rich, layered cultures and characters.
This was more of a 3 for me as a read just because it has little conflict, and I eat up conflict, but I can’t rate it lower than 4. It’s lovely and thoughtful and the characters are kind, accepting, wonderful beings who respect and support each other and find joy in their differences rather than any fear or doubt.
Zef’s a VERY particular person, and touch averse, likes everything in specific places, and even wants to vaccum in the exact same direction every time. They’re a Mantodea, a species that is self-fertilizing and often live in communal societies where everyone pitches in and helps raise children.
Zef isn’t still in their home community; they work in the Greed café of the previous characters and have their own nice quiet apartment. They just lost a roommate when things went sour, and now are trepidatious about having agreed to take in a new one, but they’ve met human vet Bryce and know he’s a nice gentle person, so they’re willing to take a chance.
Turns out their personalities and ways of being are highly complementary, and Bryce’s thoughtfulness extends to consideration of Zef��s particularities at home. They share values and respect for the ways others are without judgement, and the story winds up showing two very different people whose friendship chemistry resonates into a warm, comforting love that, at a very respectful, slow-burn pace, grows into a special intimacy that works for them both.
It did feel slow, but I very much enjoyed all the cultures and unique characters and the friend circle the author has created in this diverse and oft times hilarious world. It’s complex and enchanting and beautifully developed, and I enjoyed seeing the dryad culture, the Mantodeans, and going home with Bryce too and seeing Zef experience life with his family on his ranch in Montana.
Their only obstacle is their lives in two different dimensions, but these two realized they were end game and were willing to put in the work and figure out how to move forward. Total grownups all the way.
The secondary character friend group shenanigans are chaos as usual, and take-no-prisoners Tad became my particular favorite in this read.
HEA, different beings/species falling in love, Hell/Purgatory dimension and our world urban romantasy. Ace rep, and while I’m no expert, it felt respectful and thoughtful. No OP action; extremely minor moment of OP drama just from meeting Zef’s long-ago beau. Totally safe for me. Recommended. Definitely a unique series.
My thanks to Gay Romance Reviews for the ARC; this is my free and impartial opinion.
March 20, 2026
Enchanted by Envy by Nik Knight
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
🔀 Dual POV Third-Person Narrative
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Book Four of Passing Through Café Series
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone
🌈 Adult MX Paranormal Urban Fantasy Romance
👉 Low Angst
📍Set in (mostly) Hell Dimension & Montana (USA, Earth)
☕ Cozy Café in Purgatory Rom-Com
💕 Hurt to Comfort
💛 Sweet, Soft & Emotionally Intimate
🤣 Unhinged Comedy Sprinkled w/ Dark Humor 🖤
🏳️🌈 Asexual, Demisexual & Agender Rep
🧠 Neurodivergent Rep
🧚♂️ Mantodea Demon x Human
🥪 Café Cook x 🩺 Vet Student
🏡 Roommates to Lovers
👉 Size Difference (Slim x Big & Muscular)
🔥 Slow-Burn
🌈 MCs:
🩺👉 Bryce Edward Elliot (mid twenties), Demisexual, He/Him:
•Human.
🧚♂️☕️👉 Zefryn "Zef" Ootyk, Asexual, Agender, They/Them:
•"Mantodea: Species of demon resembling a praying mantis.
👉 Please check TW before reading.
💭 My Thoughts:
😍 I absolutely love this series… it’s one of my absolute favorites!
🥰 Bryce and Zef are the sweetest duo… perfectly matched in all the little ways. Soft, awkward, funny, and absolutely magical together.
🌈 Their relationship develops slowly and carefully, in such a way that even the smallest interactions feel meaningful. 🫠 Bryce is truly a gentle giant, patient, attentive, always respectful of Zef’s limits. He takes the time to understand instead of assuming. And Zef… Zef is simply wonderful. Watching them open up little by little, allowing themselves to trust and feel safe, was incredibly touching.
😂🤣 So much laughter, ridiculous shenanigans and warm heart-melting moments. I’m OBSESSED! It’s impossible not to fall in love with the sweet, chaotic, utterly unhinged staff of the Purgatory café.
🤌 Bryce’s Nan is fearless, feisty and full of life. She’s equal parts mischief and love, it’s impossible not to adore her.
🫠 I always finish the book with a smile on my face and my heart overflowing for all of them in this series.
💯 I can’t wait for the next book!
😉 Thanks for reading, hope this helps!
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 stars
⬆️ Ebook ARC
🔀 Dual POV Third-Person Narrative
🎨 Cover: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Book Four of Passing Through Café Series
👉 Can Be Read as a Standalone
🌈 Adult MX Paranormal Urban Fantasy Romance
👉 Low Angst
📍Set in (mostly) Hell Dimension & Montana (USA, Earth)
☕ Cozy Café in Purgatory Rom-Com
💕 Hurt to Comfort
💛 Sweet, Soft & Emotionally Intimate
🤣 Unhinged Comedy Sprinkled w/ Dark Humor 🖤
🏳️🌈 Asexual, Demisexual & Agender Rep
🧠 Neurodivergent Rep
🧚♂️ Mantodea Demon x Human
🥪 Café Cook x 🩺 Vet Student
🏡 Roommates to Lovers
👉 Size Difference (Slim x Big & Muscular)
🔥 Slow-Burn
🌈 MCs:
🩺👉 Bryce Edward Elliot (mid twenties), Demisexual, He/Him:
•Human.
🧚♂️☕️👉 Zefryn "Zef" Ootyk, Asexual, Agender, They/Them:
•"Mantodea: Species of demon resembling a praying mantis.
👉 Please check TW before reading.
💭 My Thoughts:
😍 I absolutely love this series… it’s one of my absolute favorites!
🥰 Bryce and Zef are the sweetest duo… perfectly matched in all the little ways. Soft, awkward, funny, and absolutely magical together.
🌈 Their relationship develops slowly and carefully, in such a way that even the smallest interactions feel meaningful. 🫠 Bryce is truly a gentle giant, patient, attentive, always respectful of Zef’s limits. He takes the time to understand instead of assuming. And Zef… Zef is simply wonderful. Watching them open up little by little, allowing themselves to trust and feel safe, was incredibly touching.
😂🤣 So much laughter, ridiculous shenanigans and warm heart-melting moments. I’m OBSESSED! It’s impossible not to fall in love with the sweet, chaotic, utterly unhinged staff of the Purgatory café.
🤌 Bryce’s Nan is fearless, feisty and full of life. She’s equal parts mischief and love, it’s impossible not to adore her.
🫠 I always finish the book with a smile on my face and my heart overflowing for all of them in this series.
💯 I can’t wait for the next book!
😉 Thanks for reading, hope this helps!
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
March 20, 2026
I have been eagerly waiting for Bryce and Zef to get their book! Immediately, I just kinda fell in love with Zef and all their mug rules and their big, kind heart.
This was also such a funny book! I laughed so much (Mr. Cow, that's all I'll say). Much like the rest of the books, anytime Gem and/or Tad is involved, there are shenanigans.
Bryce is moving to Purgatory to room with Zef while he completes a work training program. Zef, who is Aro/ace and touch-averse, is a bit nervous but excited to have a roommate after the disasters with Dennis, their last roommate (who also happened to think they were in a relationship.) Bryce and Zef grow closer, and eventually Bryce realizes he has feelings for Zef. But what if Zef doesn't want more than friendship? (Spoiler: they dooooo!)
If you have read the other books in the Passing Through series, you know how it really centers around found family, and I am glad that continues in this book.
Getting to see Tad, Gemma, Toni, and the whole gang show up for Zef and always be there to make sure they aren't being hurt warmed my heart so much. They have all formed such a good bond, and I loved the bits we get of the group all together having meals or moving Bryce in. ( side note, I am obsessed with Tad. Scared, but OBSESSED)
I really appreciated all the acts of love in this book. Zef has no interest in a sexual relationship, but they grow to really love Bryce and, over time, even become physically affectionate. Cuddling and kissing and touching hands. This is a SLOW BURN, and it's perfect. Every touch is a huge step, and it steps up the anticipation for when they will finally admit their feelings for each other.
This whole book felt incredibly romantic and cute. I loved the Aro/Ace rep so much. As someone who identifies that way myself, I really felt connected to Zef's desire for love and partnership with Bryce without the sex. They were so good at communicating their wants and boundaries, and it helped to make such a strong foundation. Bryce was always respectful, and there was no moment where it seemed like he was trying to push for more or that he would be unsatisfied in a sexless relationship. Seeing that Zef was written as an amazing character with love and friends, and as this sexy, amazing bean, made me so happy. I think they might be my second favorite character in the whole series (sorry, Gem is always #1)
I love that we got to see more of the world because I find it super cool, and I LOVED getting to know more about Willow, and getting to see her sisters and learn more about how her culture works. I hope this series never ends because every book just gets better and better.
This was also such a funny book! I laughed so much (Mr. Cow, that's all I'll say). Much like the rest of the books, anytime Gem and/or Tad is involved, there are shenanigans.
Bryce is moving to Purgatory to room with Zef while he completes a work training program. Zef, who is Aro/ace and touch-averse, is a bit nervous but excited to have a roommate after the disasters with Dennis, their last roommate (who also happened to think they were in a relationship.) Bryce and Zef grow closer, and eventually Bryce realizes he has feelings for Zef. But what if Zef doesn't want more than friendship? (Spoiler: they dooooo!)
If you have read the other books in the Passing Through series, you know how it really centers around found family, and I am glad that continues in this book.
Getting to see Tad, Gemma, Toni, and the whole gang show up for Zef and always be there to make sure they aren't being hurt warmed my heart so much. They have all formed such a good bond, and I loved the bits we get of the group all together having meals or moving Bryce in. ( side note, I am obsessed with Tad. Scared, but OBSESSED)
I really appreciated all the acts of love in this book. Zef has no interest in a sexual relationship, but they grow to really love Bryce and, over time, even become physically affectionate. Cuddling and kissing and touching hands. This is a SLOW BURN, and it's perfect. Every touch is a huge step, and it steps up the anticipation for when they will finally admit their feelings for each other.
This whole book felt incredibly romantic and cute. I loved the Aro/Ace rep so much. As someone who identifies that way myself, I really felt connected to Zef's desire for love and partnership with Bryce without the sex. They were so good at communicating their wants and boundaries, and it helped to make such a strong foundation. Bryce was always respectful, and there was no moment where it seemed like he was trying to push for more or that he would be unsatisfied in a sexless relationship. Seeing that Zef was written as an amazing character with love and friends, and as this sexy, amazing bean, made me so happy. I think they might be my second favorite character in the whole series (sorry, Gem is always #1)
I love that we got to see more of the world because I find it super cool, and I LOVED getting to know more about Willow, and getting to see her sisters and learn more about how her culture works. I hope this series never ends because every book just gets better and better.
March 16, 2026
Perfection! This book was everything that I wanted to be and so much more. Zef and Bryce have easily become my new favourite in this series which isn’t a surprise because I have loved Zef since book 1 and I’ve been waiting for these two since their meet cute. This book is filled with the same humour and found family as all the other books in this series has had and I loved seeing everyone again. It was also very sweet to see Zef and Tad’s relationship from Zef’s perspective and I love how comfortable they are with Tad and how Tad would do anything for them. Zef’s relationship with Bryce’s nan was another high point in this book because it made me giggle but it was also so sweet to have Bryce’s family be so accepting of Zef even before their relationship. This book has the slowest burn in the series so far but it was 100% worth it because the journey to get there was beautiful and filled with laughs and a few tears (from me). Zef is just as wonderful as I expected them to be, I love how much they’ve overcome and how they continue to adapt to new changes and situations that might make them uncomfortable. I adore the way Zef loves learning about new things and how unapologetically themself they are. Zef is just such a sweetie and I am so happy about their relationship with Bryce because it is just so soft and sweet. Bryce is the definition of a gentle giant. He respects Zef’s boundaries and does everything he can to learn about mantodea culture which is so lovely. He’s also happy to answer Zef’s questions and cares about the things that they’re interested in and it’s so wonderful to see him do things to make Zef more comfortable. I absolutely loved watching their friendship grow and seeing their feelings for one another grow as well. I love how Bryce understood and respected Zef’s feelings on intimacy and touching and how he always let them make the first move. It made me so giddy every time they touched or took their relationship to the next step just because I loved that Zef was feeling comfortable with Bryce and wanted to have that relationship with him. I was really happy that a book in this series had a relationship that was mostly non-sexual but still intimate. It was so lovely to see that even without sex there was so much more to Zef and Bryce’s relationship. I was wholly unprepared for Zef’s thoughts about Bryce when they realized they were falling in love. Zef’s inner monologue while thinking about Bryce was so beautiful and perfect that it made my heart very happy. I had really high expectations for this book and it surpassed all of them, this is one of my favourite reads of the year so far and Zef and Bryce are perfect!
March 19, 2026
So, So Well Done
Zef and Bryce were the best kind of surprise. I’ll admit this series has been hit or miss for me. I loved book one, skipped book two, and grudgingly worked my way through reading book three. I almost skipped reading this book entirely, not sure how I would enjoy a romance book with such a touch adverse main character. But Zef and Bryce surprised me with their love story and a love so genuine and beautiful I know I’ll never forget it.
Zef and Bryce’s love story was one of the best I’ve ever read. Considering there are zero spicy scenes between the MMCs the intimacy in this book was off the chart. The progression of their friendship to romance was complete perfection and the respect given to Zef’s character and their asexuality and touch aversion was amazing.
I find that often with books where there is a character with inhuman characteristics, those qualities are mentioned a few times and then the character is written in a way where you constantly forget they’re supposed to be furry or have an extra appendage or be a different color. This book perfectly preserves the unique qualities of Zef and all the other characters in their world. The time and detail spent on teaching the audience about Zef’s and Willow’s cultures was so interesting. Those small details helped so much to make you feel that much more connected to Zef’s personal traits.
It’s an impressive feat when an author can write a book where one moment you’re laughing so hard you get weird looks, and the next you’re crying with happiness. The group scenes in this book are ridiculous and entertaining. The dynamic of them all together is so unique and fun, and Knight has created so many wonderfully special characters that when they all come together it just bursts with grey dialogue and humor. While Zef and Bryce had their own humor and sass it was especially fun and moving to see how their friends and family supported them. The ending of the book was so heartbreakingly beautiful and it was all the better because the entire cast of friends were there to experience it.
I’m curious about the next book but I doubt anything will ever top this book. I can’t wait to reread this book someday and experience again the love between Zef and Bryce.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Found Family, Different Species, Asexual Rep, Touch Aversion Rep, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 0/5
Romance: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 5/5
Relationship: They - He/Him
Zef and Bryce were the best kind of surprise. I’ll admit this series has been hit or miss for me. I loved book one, skipped book two, and grudgingly worked my way through reading book three. I almost skipped reading this book entirely, not sure how I would enjoy a romance book with such a touch adverse main character. But Zef and Bryce surprised me with their love story and a love so genuine and beautiful I know I’ll never forget it.
Zef and Bryce’s love story was one of the best I’ve ever read. Considering there are zero spicy scenes between the MMCs the intimacy in this book was off the chart. The progression of their friendship to romance was complete perfection and the respect given to Zef’s character and their asexuality and touch aversion was amazing.
I find that often with books where there is a character with inhuman characteristics, those qualities are mentioned a few times and then the character is written in a way where you constantly forget they’re supposed to be furry or have an extra appendage or be a different color. This book perfectly preserves the unique qualities of Zef and all the other characters in their world. The time and detail spent on teaching the audience about Zef’s and Willow’s cultures was so interesting. Those small details helped so much to make you feel that much more connected to Zef’s personal traits.
It’s an impressive feat when an author can write a book where one moment you’re laughing so hard you get weird looks, and the next you’re crying with happiness. The group scenes in this book are ridiculous and entertaining. The dynamic of them all together is so unique and fun, and Knight has created so many wonderfully special characters that when they all come together it just bursts with grey dialogue and humor. While Zef and Bryce had their own humor and sass it was especially fun and moving to see how their friends and family supported them. The ending of the book was so heartbreakingly beautiful and it was all the better because the entire cast of friends were there to experience it.
I’m curious about the next book but I doubt anything will ever top this book. I can’t wait to reread this book someday and experience again the love between Zef and Bryce.
Tropes: Forced Proximity, Found Family, Different Species, Asexual Rep, Touch Aversion Rep, Dual POV
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Spice: 0/5
Romance: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ 5/5
Relationship: They - He/Him
March 8, 2026
CW (also in the front of the book): demons with non-human anatomy & vastly different cultures; reference to someone being called a trans slur (in the past); main character is from a non-gendered species; many mentions of collecting teeth.
The Plot: Zef has decided to allow Bryce, a human from Oliver's hometown, to room with them while Bryce does his study abroad program to learn about Hellian anatomy. Zef is prepared to be a bit antsy having another roommate after the disaster of the previous one but instead finds Bryce to be a respectful and thoughtful roommate (even if he leaves half empty water cups everywhere!). Bryce on the other hand is dealing with a bit of culture shock, a bit of homesickness and *a lot* of feelings for Zef. Bryce thinks Zef might also be interested in him but is worried to tank their friendship if that's not the case.
Can Zef & Bryce have the romantic relationship they both desire or are their homes and cultures just too different?
My Feelings: "Enchanted by Envy" is a beautiful and respectful look into relationships with asexual people. While the dynamics are not quite the same (given Zef is from a different species that doesn't directly translate to human asexuality) as human ones, it is so nice to have a series that features a diverse array of sexualities and genders. Plus, how respectful Bryce is of different cultures is truly a balm to my soul given the raging white supremacy that's happening right now.
That being said, my favourite parts of "Enchanted by Envy" are not the beautiful moments where Zef & Bryce lightly touch each other or even the comforting moments with Nan, but rather all the moments with my favourite Chaos Queen Tad. I love her so much and it was really sweet seeing how she and Zef understand and love each other (even if Zef does not quite understand why Tad needs so many pantyhose masks...). I desperately hope Tad gets her own book although it might have to be poly since I am quite unsure if one partner will be enough for her energy levels (and heists).
The Plot: Zef has decided to allow Bryce, a human from Oliver's hometown, to room with them while Bryce does his study abroad program to learn about Hellian anatomy. Zef is prepared to be a bit antsy having another roommate after the disaster of the previous one but instead finds Bryce to be a respectful and thoughtful roommate (even if he leaves half empty water cups everywhere!). Bryce on the other hand is dealing with a bit of culture shock, a bit of homesickness and *a lot* of feelings for Zef. Bryce thinks Zef might also be interested in him but is worried to tank their friendship if that's not the case.
Can Zef & Bryce have the romantic relationship they both desire or are their homes and cultures just too different?
My Feelings: "Enchanted by Envy" is a beautiful and respectful look into relationships with asexual people. While the dynamics are not quite the same (given Zef is from a different species that doesn't directly translate to human asexuality) as human ones, it is so nice to have a series that features a diverse array of sexualities and genders. Plus, how respectful Bryce is of different cultures is truly a balm to my soul given the raging white supremacy that's happening right now.
That being said, my favourite parts of "Enchanted by Envy" are not the beautiful moments where Zef & Bryce lightly touch each other or even the comforting moments with Nan, but rather all the moments with my favourite Chaos Queen Tad. I love her so much and it was really sweet seeing how she and Zef understand and love each other (even if Zef does not quite understand why Tad needs so many pantyhose masks...). I desperately hope Tad gets her own book although it might have to be poly since I am quite unsure if one partner will be enough for her energy levels (and heists).
March 20, 2026
5 Stars
⭐
ARC Read: 03/03/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you GRR & Nik Knight for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
💛 MX Paranormal Rom-Com
💚 Slow Burn
💛 Roommates To Lovers
💚 Temporary Arrangement
💛 Human x Monster
💚 First Love
💛 Sweet, Not Spicy
💚 Slutty Hand-Holding
💛 Touch Adverse
💚 Demisexual Rep
💛 Plus-Size Rep
💚 Asexual Rep
💛 Agender Rep
💚 Neurodivergent Rep
💛 Low Angst
💚 Found Family
💛 Hurt/Comfort
💚 HEA
Format: Ebook/ARC
Cover: 5/5
Love love love love love LOOOOOOOVEEEE THIS SERIES!
This book was not different. I adore every second reading this 🥰
Series: Passing Through Cafe #4
Story: 5/5
POV: Dual - 3rd Person
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - Zef
5/5 - Bryce
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 3,5/5
Romance: High Focus
Humor: High Focus
Angst: Medium Focus
Cheating? No
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger: HEA
Favorite character? ZEF
Enjoyment: 5/5
This is my 4th book by Nik Knight.
Hope this review was helpful.
Where To Find My Reviews: GOODREADS|BOOKBUB|
My Socials: LINKTR.EE|INSTAGRAM|BLUESKY|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK|TUMBLR|AO3|
!!Please remember that all my reviews are a matter of my personal taste. Your opinion and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read is your own. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect that. It's just a book... but reading is still political!
No AI was used to make this review. These are my own words. And I support real artists.
ARC Read: 03/03/2026
I received this ebook for free from the author and I'm leaving this review of my own accord. Thank you GRR & Nik Knight for this gift. 🥰
What to expect from this book? 🤔
💛 MX Paranormal Rom-Com
💚 Slow Burn
💛 Roommates To Lovers
💚 Temporary Arrangement
💛 Human x Monster
💚 First Love
💛 Sweet, Not Spicy
💚 Slutty Hand-Holding
💛 Touch Adverse
💚 Demisexual Rep
💛 Plus-Size Rep
💚 Asexual Rep
💛 Agender Rep
💚 Neurodivergent Rep
💛 Low Angst
💚 Found Family
💛 Hurt/Comfort
💚 HEA
Format: Ebook/ARC
Cover: 5/5
Love love love love love LOOOOOOOVEEEE THIS SERIES!
This book was not different. I adore every second reading this 🥰
Series: Passing Through Cafe #4
Story: 5/5
POV: Dual - 3rd Person
Plot: 5/5
Main Characters:
5/5 - Zef
5/5 - Bryce
Side Characters: 5/5
Steam Level: 3,5/5
Romance: High Focus
Humor: High Focus
Angst: Medium Focus
Cheating? No
The Ending: 5/5
HEA/HFN/Cliffhanger: HEA
Favorite character? ZEF
Enjoyment: 5/5
This is my 4th book by Nik Knight.
Hope this review was helpful.
Where To Find My Reviews: GOODREADS|BOOKBUB|
My Socials: LINKTR.EE|INSTAGRAM|BLUESKY|TIKTOK|FACEBOOK|TUMBLR|AO3|
!!Please remember that all my reviews are a matter of my personal taste. Your opinion and what you are willing or want to tolerate in the books you read is your own. We all have different opinions and preferences when it comes to the kind of books we enjoy, so it's important to respect that. It's just a book... but reading is still political!
No AI was used to make this review. These are my own words. And I support real artists.
March 16, 2026
I absolutely adored Zef and Bryce's romance. Though he was new to the Passing Through cafe friend group, Bryce was welcomed into the fold and felt like part of the bunch quickly. Zef had always been a bit mysterious, a bit separated from everyone else, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know them better throughout this book. Zef was extremely open and direct, an encyclopedia of interesting facts and eager to learn even more. It was really cute watching them and Bryce bond over collections during their first day as roommates, and that proved to be the start of a wonderful friendship. Bryce was such a sweetheart with Zef, earnest and receptive to all cues that he might be making them uncomfortable. The two of them had a few bumps early into their roommate arrangement, but since they both communicated clearly and treated each other with respect, I never had any concerns that they wouldn't resolve them. As Bryce and Zef spent more time together, a warm and decidedly romantic companionship began to build. Without physicality thrown into the mix, Bryce and Zef's emotional closeness shone front and center. I fell in love with their crushes, then their official courtship and all the tingly feelings that went with it. Bryce and Zef were so happy to experience life together, and that happiness made me feel like I was floating on air. From experiencing different cultures to visiting the farm in Montana and taking care of each other through migraines and unwanted fertility cycles, Zef and Bryce journeyed through life together as partners in every sense of the word. Watching their love grow from a spark into a burning fire was magical, and my heart felt so full going into the epilogue and knowing with certainty they would be partners for the rest of their lives.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 16, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book, but I have read the first three Passing Through Cafe books on my own and absolutely loved them. Returning to Hellia and the chaos of the cafe crew is always a joy.
Enchanted in Envy centers on Zef, the Mantodea sous chef we have known since the first book. Zef is asexual, values routine and personal space, and generally does not enjoy being touched. Mantodeas are a single-gender species that reproduce on their own, but they still form deep life partnerships.
Bryce, a human veterinarian introduced earlier in the series, travels to Hellia for a year-long study program researching Hellia wildlife. When Zef happens to be looking for a roommate, Bryce moves in with them in Envy.
Their relationship is incredibly sweet and gentle. Bryce is patient, kind, and fully respectful of Zef’s boundaries, and their connection grows through companionship, affection, and emotional closeness rather than physical intimacy.
It was honestly refreshing to see a romance centered around an asexual character where their identity is fully respected and integrated into the relationship.
The real magic of this series continues to be the worldbuilding and the found family dynamic at the Passing Through Cafe. Every single member of the cafe crew has a distinct personality, and the chaotic group antics constantly had me laughing.
Highlights for me included the group playing Dungeons and Dragons together, Gem’s constant nonsense, and getting to see more of Hellia through places like the Mantodea compound and the dryad nursery.
The spice level is very low in this book, which is why I personally landed at 4.5 stars instead of a full five, but it absolutely works for this couple and their story.
Another cozy, hilarious, and heartwarming installment in a series I adore.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Enchanted in Envy centers on Zef, the Mantodea sous chef we have known since the first book. Zef is asexual, values routine and personal space, and generally does not enjoy being touched. Mantodeas are a single-gender species that reproduce on their own, but they still form deep life partnerships.
Bryce, a human veterinarian introduced earlier in the series, travels to Hellia for a year-long study program researching Hellia wildlife. When Zef happens to be looking for a roommate, Bryce moves in with them in Envy.
Their relationship is incredibly sweet and gentle. Bryce is patient, kind, and fully respectful of Zef’s boundaries, and their connection grows through companionship, affection, and emotional closeness rather than physical intimacy.
It was honestly refreshing to see a romance centered around an asexual character where their identity is fully respected and integrated into the relationship.
The real magic of this series continues to be the worldbuilding and the found family dynamic at the Passing Through Cafe. Every single member of the cafe crew has a distinct personality, and the chaotic group antics constantly had me laughing.
Highlights for me included the group playing Dungeons and Dragons together, Gem’s constant nonsense, and getting to see more of Hellia through places like the Mantodea compound and the dryad nursery.
The spice level is very low in this book, which is why I personally landed at 4.5 stars instead of a full five, but it absolutely works for this couple and their story.
Another cozy, hilarious, and heartwarming installment in a series I adore.
Rating: 4.5 stars
March 24, 2026
The Passing Through Cafe series has had my heart since book one. It is my go-to recommendation for people who ask for found/chosen family tropes, laugh-out-loud stories, or cozy novels. With a tagline of "An asexual Mantodea who yearns to be seen. A tender-hearted human who can't look away," how could you not be excited for book 4?
I love that Nik Knight chose to open this novel with a scene between Zef and Tad. Nik is an author I absolutely trust to be thoughtful and careful, and their scene firmly cemented the idea that this novel was not about Zef changing, but about widening their circle to find someone else who accepts them exactly as they are.
And Bryce quite likes the way Zef is wired. The romance between Zef and Bryce is slow but beautiful, and I love that they come together at their own pace.
In addition to the romance, I enjoyed getting to explore more of the hell dimension, especially the scenes at the Dryad's Sacred Grove and the Mantodeas colony. The setup of having Bryce as a human living in the hell dimension provided an interesting, neat dynamic, as they weren't worried about splitting their time and would be interested in seeing everything.
The group remains hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud constantly. It was great to see how quickly everyone worked to incorporate Bryce into their group, while constantly confirming Zef was okay with the roommate arrangement.
Enchanted by Envy is perfect for fans of the Passing Through Cafe series, people who enjoy loud but loving found family, urban fantasy, the TV show How It's Made, and teeth collections.
I love that Nik Knight chose to open this novel with a scene between Zef and Tad. Nik is an author I absolutely trust to be thoughtful and careful, and their scene firmly cemented the idea that this novel was not about Zef changing, but about widening their circle to find someone else who accepts them exactly as they are.
"Can't trust a normie," Tad would say as she braided Zef's hair. "They're all fake. That's why I like you, Zef. You can't be fake. It goes against your wiring."
"And I am wired correctly?" they would ask.
"You're wired the best way," she would say, giving their cheek a pat. "Now stop moving. You're ruining the braid."
As someone who had spent most of their life feeling like their wires were all wrong, they quite liked that.
And Bryce quite likes the way Zef is wired. The romance between Zef and Bryce is slow but beautiful, and I love that they come together at their own pace.
In addition to the romance, I enjoyed getting to explore more of the hell dimension, especially the scenes at the Dryad's Sacred Grove and the Mantodeas colony. The setup of having Bryce as a human living in the hell dimension provided an interesting, neat dynamic, as they weren't worried about splitting their time and would be interested in seeing everything.
The group remains hilarious, and I found myself laughing out loud constantly. It was great to see how quickly everyone worked to incorporate Bryce into their group, while constantly confirming Zef was okay with the roommate arrangement.
Enchanted by Envy is perfect for fans of the Passing Through Cafe series, people who enjoy loud but loving found family, urban fantasy, the TV show How It's Made, and teeth collections.
March 16, 2026
What a story!!
-An asexual demon who yearns to be seen. A tender-hearted human who can’t look away.-
Zefryn/Zef needs order; if their things are out of order, it makes them feel as if they were themself out of order.
“And I am wired correctly?” they would ask.
“You’re wired the best way,”
Bryce is their new roommate; he’s a soft soul, very kind and open-minded. He does his utmost best, to be respectful to Zef’s boundaries. He still brings some chaos into Zef’s orderly life.
Leaving water cups everywhere, putting Zef’s mugs back in the wrong way. But Zef can be somewhat flexible.
The bunch of friends (read: chosen family) embraces Bryce with open arms into their group.
All their interactions are more than entertaining.
The philosophy and the world created around these interactions is downright genius!
The playful parts made me smile, the hilarious parts made me laugh out loud, and the emotional parts brought me to tears.
Zef and Bryce start a precious friendship, and it’s so wonderful to see that, the more they get to know each other, the more this friendship blooms into a delicate romance.
How Zef’s wings vibrate and antennas move, or their throat makes those clicking sounds, when there are emotions, it was so precious!
Little by little Zef shows how precious they really are, my heart!
The author created such a beautiful atmosphere around Zef and Bryce!
The different species are magnificent! Every single one is just extraordinary!
This author is quite a genius at writing these unique, entertaining urban fantasy rom-com stories!
Highly recommended, the whole series btw!
Read and reviewed for Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
-An asexual demon who yearns to be seen. A tender-hearted human who can’t look away.-
Zefryn/Zef needs order; if their things are out of order, it makes them feel as if they were themself out of order.
“And I am wired correctly?” they would ask.
“You’re wired the best way,”
Bryce is their new roommate; he’s a soft soul, very kind and open-minded. He does his utmost best, to be respectful to Zef’s boundaries. He still brings some chaos into Zef’s orderly life.
Leaving water cups everywhere, putting Zef’s mugs back in the wrong way. But Zef can be somewhat flexible.
The bunch of friends (read: chosen family) embraces Bryce with open arms into their group.
All their interactions are more than entertaining.
The philosophy and the world created around these interactions is downright genius!
The playful parts made me smile, the hilarious parts made me laugh out loud, and the emotional parts brought me to tears.
Zef and Bryce start a precious friendship, and it’s so wonderful to see that, the more they get to know each other, the more this friendship blooms into a delicate romance.
How Zef’s wings vibrate and antennas move, or their throat makes those clicking sounds, when there are emotions, it was so precious!
Little by little Zef shows how precious they really are, my heart!
The author created such a beautiful atmosphere around Zef and Bryce!
The different species are magnificent! Every single one is just extraordinary!
This author is quite a genius at writing these unique, entertaining urban fantasy rom-com stories!
Highly recommended, the whole series btw!
Read and reviewed for Love Bytes LGBTQ reviews
March 21, 2026
All the stars for Zef and Bryce
I love this series so much. Nik has created a whole world full of special characters who will make you laugh and cry in equal measures. Their imagination is so good, it amazes me. The world-building is second to none.
Zef has fascinated me from the very start and their story is just the most beautiful. Bryce is perfect for them and I couldn't have loved them more.
Zef is very particular in everything they do, while Bryce is a bit more bull in a china shop at first, when compared to Zef's rigidly-ordered life, though not on purpose. Two roommates, learning to live with each other, finding friendship and companionship unexpectedly. This is the slowest of slow burns, a beautifully intimate portrait of two beings finding their soulmate when neither of them was looking.
A warm smile, a lingering look, a gentle touch, ever so slowly becoming more to each other. Never pushing, never insisting, just respectful, Bryce wants to do everything he can to make Zef happy and feel comfortable. Zef finds in Bryce someone who likes them, respects them, desires them, who makes them feel wanted and adored and loved. It was so beautiful and I adored them both.
Of course, where there's one Passing Through Cafe member of staff, there are all the rest too. The cast of familiar faces are present and (politically in-)correct, as only they can be. It was great to see Tad with Zef, the most unliely of friendships but one that is obviously solid. Gem still never fails to make to snort with laughter, and I'm only sad that we didn't get to see him with Nan. That would have been too funny for words.
I love this series so much. Nik has created a whole world full of special characters who will make you laugh and cry in equal measures. Their imagination is so good, it amazes me. The world-building is second to none.
Zef has fascinated me from the very start and their story is just the most beautiful. Bryce is perfect for them and I couldn't have loved them more.
Zef is very particular in everything they do, while Bryce is a bit more bull in a china shop at first, when compared to Zef's rigidly-ordered life, though not on purpose. Two roommates, learning to live with each other, finding friendship and companionship unexpectedly. This is the slowest of slow burns, a beautifully intimate portrait of two beings finding their soulmate when neither of them was looking.
A warm smile, a lingering look, a gentle touch, ever so slowly becoming more to each other. Never pushing, never insisting, just respectful, Bryce wants to do everything he can to make Zef happy and feel comfortable. Zef finds in Bryce someone who likes them, respects them, desires them, who makes them feel wanted and adored and loved. It was so beautiful and I adored them both.
Of course, where there's one Passing Through Cafe member of staff, there are all the rest too. The cast of familiar faces are present and (politically in-)correct, as only they can be. It was great to see Tad with Zef, the most unliely of friendships but one that is obviously solid. Gem still never fails to make to snort with laughter, and I'm only sad that we didn't get to see him with Nan. That would have been too funny for words.
Review of advance copy
I adored this relationship building. The sweetness. The pining! Everything was so soft and lovely!
Bryce is a tender, gentle, bear of a man. He is patient, adoring and throws a variety of endearments out at the perfect time to be swoony.
Zef is so precious. A honest, straightforward demon. They are learning to be themselves and getting comfortable. Their discovery of touch and intimacy was so beautiful to read.
They worked so well together. Learning each other’s communication styles. Learning how to vacuum, handle migraines, and put mugs away.
Now the reason my rating seems to not reflect my thoughts above. The ending killed my high from this book. Don’t fret, it’s a HFN/HEA, I guess. But my rating reflects the feeling I was left with. But I don’t believe that this long, slow, build up of a romantic relationship should end with our main characters crying and heading for separate dimensions for an unknown period of time. Then it gets wrapped up “some years later” in a tiny half page epilogue. I was just so bummed with how we were left in sadness, albeit with a glimmer of hope towards the future. Then the future we got was ~9 sentences?! It almost felt like Nik gave up. Or was too worried that fans were going to expect greater intimacy between the characters so they wanted to wrap it up as succinctly as possible? For the record, this book needed no further sexual content, if that was the hang up I don’t know. The ending just left me feeling bereft.
Bryce is a tender, gentle, bear of a man. He is patient, adoring and throws a variety of endearments out at the perfect time to be swoony.
Zef is so precious. A honest, straightforward demon. They are learning to be themselves and getting comfortable. Their discovery of touch and intimacy was so beautiful to read.
They worked so well together. Learning each other’s communication styles. Learning how to vacuum, handle migraines, and put mugs away.
Now the reason my rating seems to not reflect my thoughts above. The ending killed my high from this book. Don’t fret, it’s a HFN/HEA, I guess. But my rating reflects the feeling I was left with. But I don’t believe that this long, slow, build up of a romantic relationship should end with our main characters crying and heading for separate dimensions for an unknown period of time. Then it gets wrapped up “some years later” in a tiny half page epilogue. I was just so bummed with how we were left in sadness, albeit with a glimmer of hope towards the future. Then the future we got was ~9 sentences?! It almost felt like Nik gave up. Or was too worried that fans were going to expect greater intimacy between the characters so they wanted to wrap it up as succinctly as possible? For the record, this book needed no further sexual content, if that was the hang up I don’t know. The ending just left me feeling bereft.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
🩵💚 Enchanted by Envy ARC Review 💚🩵
Thank you so much to Nik Knight and Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Enchanted by Envy is a queer urban fantasy romcom and book 4 in the Passing Through series. Zef has certain ways of doing things and doesn’t like change, so adding a new roommate into their life is not ideal. But after Bryce moves in, living with him isn’t as bad as expected. However new feelings are developing for them and that doesn’t fit into their well organized world…
This was such an amazing read!! Zef and Bryce were both characters met in previous books and I loved their story. I adored the nonbinary and asexual rep, and the unconditional acceptance that these characters experience. This world continues to be super vibrant and I really liked the new exploration into the world’s different species, animals and plant life in this book
Overall this was a fantastic five star read! These two characters were so sweet and I loved their story! This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book had a lot of tension, but there isn’t much on page spice as one character is ace, so overall 2 flames for spice
If you’re a fan of urban fantasy reads with unique characters, sweet romance, beautiful world building and all the chosen family vibes, then absolutely pick this one up!
Thank you so much to Nik Knight and Gay Romance Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Enchanted by Envy is a queer urban fantasy romcom and book 4 in the Passing Through series. Zef has certain ways of doing things and doesn’t like change, so adding a new roommate into their life is not ideal. But after Bryce moves in, living with him isn’t as bad as expected. However new feelings are developing for them and that doesn’t fit into their well organized world…
This was such an amazing read!! Zef and Bryce were both characters met in previous books and I loved their story. I adored the nonbinary and asexual rep, and the unconditional acceptance that these characters experience. This world continues to be super vibrant and I really liked the new exploration into the world’s different species, animals and plant life in this book
Overall this was a fantastic five star read! These two characters were so sweet and I loved their story! This book does have some potential triggers, so please check if you’re sensitive. This book had a lot of tension, but there isn’t much on page spice as one character is ace, so overall 2 flames for spice
If you’re a fan of urban fantasy reads with unique characters, sweet romance, beautiful world building and all the chosen family vibes, then absolutely pick this one up!
March 13, 2026
THIS READ IS A CLOUD OF HAPPINESS FOR ME!
I was really intrigued by Zef since book one when I met them. Also, I thought they were precious and lovely. I liked Bryce right away from the start, when he was also in book one and came to Oliver's parents' ranch. He went there to look after the animals, and Zef right away asked to join him to observe. Bryce ends up becoming Zef's roommate because he got an internship to learn about hell's animals. I loved how these two really got to know one another as roommates and friends, and then so much more. These two are BEYOND PRECIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL!! I thoroughly enjoyed all their moments together. I loved getting to know more about Zef's culture and more in-depth look into the Demon's as well. I couldn't get over how gentle, understanding, and compassionate Bryce was with Zef. Bryce respected Zef's boundaries and made sure from the start to do his best with them. Zef is so cute and wonderful. I laughed so much (computer scene), felt so much (so many heartwarming moments), and it was everything!! Zef and Bryce are each other's hearts duet. Loved seeing the old gang and adored the moments between Zef and Bryce's family. Also loved getting to know Zef's parent and the community they were from. I LOVE THIS BOOK AND SERIES SO VERY MUCH! DEFINITELY A REREAD. This is an ARC review.
I was really intrigued by Zef since book one when I met them. Also, I thought they were precious and lovely. I liked Bryce right away from the start, when he was also in book one and came to Oliver's parents' ranch. He went there to look after the animals, and Zef right away asked to join him to observe. Bryce ends up becoming Zef's roommate because he got an internship to learn about hell's animals. I loved how these two really got to know one another as roommates and friends, and then so much more. These two are BEYOND PRECIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL!! I thoroughly enjoyed all their moments together. I loved getting to know more about Zef's culture and more in-depth look into the Demon's as well. I couldn't get over how gentle, understanding, and compassionate Bryce was with Zef. Bryce respected Zef's boundaries and made sure from the start to do his best with them. Zef is so cute and wonderful. I laughed so much (computer scene), felt so much (so many heartwarming moments), and it was everything!! Zef and Bryce are each other's hearts duet. Loved seeing the old gang and adored the moments between Zef and Bryce's family. Also loved getting to know Zef's parent and the community they were from. I LOVE THIS BOOK AND SERIES SO VERY MUCH! DEFINITELY A REREAD. This is an ARC review.
Review of advance copy
I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Enchanted by Envy was a very cute and cozy installment in the Passing Through Cafe series, with ace rep and cultural depth, and all the other delightful, gorgeous stuff typical of Nik Knight's quirky, lovable narrative tone and style. This was such a sweet story, where adorable and very structured Zef finds themselves navigating life (and eventually love) with their new human roommate, Bryce, who is as wonderful (and as easy to love) as they come!
Theirs was a very gentle and respectful, soft and patient romance, that grew deeper alongside them both embracing and learning about each other's culture, their individual values and sensitivities, boundaries and sources of happiness.
And whenever the whole friend group got together, their funny, endearing, riotous good times were as charming and hilarious as ever! Bryce fit in like the solid babe he was, and lovely Zef was deserving of his openhearted, nourishing caregiving, kindness and thoughtful consideration.
This was less rambunctious than the first three in the series that's for sure, but Zef and Bryce were both engaging, sincere, and lovely, and I appreciated the earnest and heartfelt tone of their romance.
Enchanted by Envy was a very cute and cozy installment in the Passing Through Cafe series, with ace rep and cultural depth, and all the other delightful, gorgeous stuff typical of Nik Knight's quirky, lovable narrative tone and style. This was such a sweet story, where adorable and very structured Zef finds themselves navigating life (and eventually love) with their new human roommate, Bryce, who is as wonderful (and as easy to love) as they come!
Theirs was a very gentle and respectful, soft and patient romance, that grew deeper alongside them both embracing and learning about each other's culture, their individual values and sensitivities, boundaries and sources of happiness.
And whenever the whole friend group got together, their funny, endearing, riotous good times were as charming and hilarious as ever! Bryce fit in like the solid babe he was, and lovely Zef was deserving of his openhearted, nourishing caregiving, kindness and thoughtful consideration.
This was less rambunctious than the first three in the series that's for sure, but Zef and Bryce were both engaging, sincere, and lovely, and I appreciated the earnest and heartfelt tone of their romance.
March 15, 2026
What a wonderfully sweet story this was. While you could technically read this as a stand alone, you’ll get much more depth and understanding if you read the previous books in the series. Zef is an employee at the Passing Through Cafe and opens their home to Bryce, a human coming to the demon realm to study. The two strike up a friendship that turns to more.
I absolutely loved that Bryce respected Zef’s boundaries about no physical contact unless they were comfortable with it, along with their asexuality. Bryce never once pressured Zef for more than they were willing to give. Their relationship started as friendship and that really allowed them to get to know one another. Zef is just too cute and Bryce is such a sweetheart, they make a great pair.
The found family aspect of these books is so great, and their entire friend group supports and loves one another. I loved that Bryce’s grandmother formed a relationship with Zef and his family accepted them. Watching Zef’s feeling progress to love was wonderful and you could see how profound that was for them. I love these books so much and highly recommend them.
No third act breakup
1/5 on the Spicy Scale
NB/M
Paranormal Romance
I absolutely loved that Bryce respected Zef’s boundaries about no physical contact unless they were comfortable with it, along with their asexuality. Bryce never once pressured Zef for more than they were willing to give. Their relationship started as friendship and that really allowed them to get to know one another. Zef is just too cute and Bryce is such a sweetheart, they make a great pair.
The found family aspect of these books is so great, and their entire friend group supports and loves one another. I loved that Bryce’s grandmother formed a relationship with Zef and his family accepted them. Watching Zef’s feeling progress to love was wonderful and you could see how profound that was for them. I love these books so much and highly recommend them.
No third act breakup
1/5 on the Spicy Scale
NB/M
Paranormal Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
These two will always be my favorites in this series. A series that is one of my absolute favorites and feel like I am never going to stop thinking about. Zef and Bryce are just absolute perfection.
I am actually struggling to write my review because of how deeply they affected me. This isn’t my first book where one of the characters is asexual but its definitely the one with the most impact. The intimacy between the two of them was so impactful. You could feel the adoration and then the love between the two of them. They were so adorable and like any book in this series, I was kicking my feet, giggling during parts.
I loved seeing more of Tad and the relationship between Tad and Zef. Tad scares me just as much as she scares Bryce honestly haha. I loved that Bryce was enveloped into their little found family. The DnD game where Bryce AND Zef almost spill the beans about what they know regarding Gem and Rusty was hilarious.
This story is extremely moving and I cried quite a bit. I actually cried a little while writing this review and picking my quote because this book was EVERYTHING. I am already ready for a reread.
I am actually struggling to write my review because of how deeply they affected me. This isn’t my first book where one of the characters is asexual but its definitely the one with the most impact. The intimacy between the two of them was so impactful. You could feel the adoration and then the love between the two of them. They were so adorable and like any book in this series, I was kicking my feet, giggling during parts.
I loved seeing more of Tad and the relationship between Tad and Zef. Tad scares me just as much as she scares Bryce honestly haha. I loved that Bryce was enveloped into their little found family. The DnD game where Bryce AND Zef almost spill the beans about what they know regarding Gem and Rusty was hilarious.
This story is extremely moving and I cried quite a bit. I actually cried a little while writing this review and picking my quote because this book was EVERYTHING. I am already ready for a reread.
Review of advance copy
My review
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Can I have a Bryce of my own? Please? Researching Mantodea and even asking Zef for credible sources to research prior to living with them… just gold, that man isn’t a green flag, is THE GREEN FLAG. He’s so respectful of Zef and their space, I love him! And in this book I actually liked Toni and Jude more than before, probably because I finally got to read Gem’s HEA. But Bryce is gold, seriously, he’s the best, so kind and attentive, and I love how the author explained different sexualities in such a respectful way. It was beautiful, I loved it. And how Bryce sees Zef, really sees them, it’s just so beautifully. And emphasizes the fact that they aren’t wired wrong. I just loved this book! I could relate in certain aspects to both Zef and Bryce, and it was a lot of fun to be able to read it, and I adore the fact that we still see some of my favorite characters around, giving them space to be, and surrounding the MCs with a loving family. It’s incredible. I loved it! And I loved how Bryce saw Zefryn Ignatious Pyrnai Armydel Lynor Syhle Persephyn Xolany Clementyne Ootyk, not Zef wired wrong, but someone who’s whole and lovable.
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕
Can I have a Bryce of my own? Please? Researching Mantodea and even asking Zef for credible sources to research prior to living with them… just gold, that man isn’t a green flag, is THE GREEN FLAG. He’s so respectful of Zef and their space, I love him! And in this book I actually liked Toni and Jude more than before, probably because I finally got to read Gem’s HEA. But Bryce is gold, seriously, he’s the best, so kind and attentive, and I love how the author explained different sexualities in such a respectful way. It was beautiful, I loved it. And how Bryce sees Zef, really sees them, it’s just so beautifully. And emphasizes the fact that they aren’t wired wrong. I just loved this book! I could relate in certain aspects to both Zef and Bryce, and it was a lot of fun to be able to read it, and I adore the fact that we still see some of my favorite characters around, giving them space to be, and surrounding the MCs with a loving family. It’s incredible. I loved it! And I loved how Bryce saw Zefryn Ignatious Pyrnai Armydel Lynor Syhle Persephyn Xolany Clementyne Ootyk, not Zef wired wrong, but someone who’s whole and lovable.
Review of advance copy
I swore that Rusty and Gem were my favorite book and not going to lie but I think this one is very close to being my favorite. I just love this for different reasons than Luxuries in Lust but also for the same reasons.
Bryce and Zef just are so cute. I love the way this book shows how intimacy and love aren’t exclusive to needing to have sex with each other. The care and respect they both have for each other and the way their relationship evolves while also constantly checking in with the other on their comfort levels and what they are feeling, I just loved this.
Literally my only qualm is that I wanted more domestic Bryce/Zef after they moved to Montana with each other but I get how that probably would have just added more to the story length wise that wouldn’t necessarily make sense. I hope for shorts and maybe even glimpses of their future together in future books. I will definitely be going back to reread this entire series in the near future because it has become such a comfort series for me.
Thank you to GRR for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review <3
Bryce and Zef just are so cute. I love the way this book shows how intimacy and love aren’t exclusive to needing to have sex with each other. The care and respect they both have for each other and the way their relationship evolves while also constantly checking in with the other on their comfort levels and what they are feeling, I just loved this.
Literally my only qualm is that I wanted more domestic Bryce/Zef after they moved to Montana with each other but I get how that probably would have just added more to the story length wise that wouldn’t necessarily make sense. I hope for shorts and maybe even glimpses of their future together in future books. I will definitely be going back to reread this entire series in the near future because it has become such a comfort series for me.
Thank you to GRR for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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