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Problematic

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Olivia Heart works two jobs and wants a quiet life, decent tips, and enough morally questionable men on her Kindle to keep her bad decisions fictional. Then she delivered flowers to Lux Tower and caught the attention of New Abbadon’s most feared demon lord.

Lux Draven has spent his life as the problem. Rich, masked, lethal, and far too amused by his own audacity, Lux rules from the shadows with the help of his world famous assassin. One glance at Olivia wrecks all of it. She’s shy, bookish, painfully sweet, and hiding a filthy little weakness for fictional monsters.

Unfortunately for her, Lux is real.

Now roses appear where they shouldn’t. Customers who disrespect her come back shaking, apologizing, and leaving excellent tips. Olivia has read enough dark romance to know better, but knowing better has never stopped anyone from turning the page.

Olivia believes she’s powerless, but Lux sees right through her. Something rare is awakening inside her, something dangerous enough to make every rival clan in New Abbadon want her. And if his enemies discover what she is before she can learn to control it, they won’t come for his throne. They’ll come for her.

Lux Draven has many problems, but letting anyone take what belongs to him isn’t one of them.

428 pages, Paperback

Published August 29, 2026

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Ariel Brouillette

7 books49 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Pucay Reads.
30 reviews
October 19, 2026
Content warnings: explicit sexual content, violence. Mild spoilers ahead.

Unlike other dark fantasies I’ve read, this book mixes darkness with rom-com vibes. That is what hooked me. The author tells the story in a distinct way, following Lux Draven, a demon who falls for his mate, Olivia Heart (Liv), a powerless flower courier. Liv doesn’t know who Lux really is. He hides behind a mask so his mate won’t be scared off or lost before he reveals his face.

The rom-com touch keeps the story from feeling rigid, heavy, or overly dramatic. The tone stays balanced, and that pulled me in. Mixing humor into a dark fantasy was an adorable choice, and I found it captivating. The pacing is slow-burn, with plenty of spice.

I also took a few things away from the story:

Honesty in a relationship. Lux hides his true self because he is afraid of damaging their bond. When Liv learns his real purpose, she is angry and hurt. It shows why honesty matters: secrets and lies, even well-meant ones, can damage trust.

Loneliness, even when you’re tough. Before Lux arrives, Liv feels empty and alone in New Abaddon, a city full of powerful demons, while she has no power, no money, and no mate. She stays tough, independent, and loyal, but she hides her true feelings even from people who care about her.

Love without entitlement. Lux loves Liv wildly and recklessly. He watches over her, gives her gifts, and protects her. He knows she is powerless and has no money, yet that never changes how he sees her. His love isn’t about wealth, status, or title.

I recommend this book to anyone who loves dark fantasy and rom-com together. As Kalon, Liv’s friend, tells her: “That is not weakness, that’s strategy.”
Profile Image for Colie Ellingson.
17 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2026
I ATE THIS BOOK UP. 😂🔥

Liv is a supposedly powerless demon who is basically just coasting through life, doing whatever she can to get by. Enter Lux — demon lord, part hellhound, and unfortunately for Liv, her fated mate. The catch? She has no idea. Lux has known all along and has been watching (okay… stalking 👀) her from the sidelines, trying to control the situation so she has the chance to actually make her own choice before the mate bond locks into place.

And honestly? The friendships and banter were EVERYTHING. I laughed out loud more than once, and those relationships added so much to the story.

I also absolutely loved Liv’s journey. Watching her go from believing she was this meek, powerless little demon to discovering just how powerful she actually is was SO satisfying. Once her powers finally come out of hiding, she proves that she is definitely not someone to underestimate. I loved watching her find her confidence and start owning exactly who she is.

And Lux… 👀 Yeah. I get it.

This was such a fun, spicy, hilarious read with characters I genuinely enjoyed. Definitely one I devoured way too quickly!

4 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kristin.
46 reviews
September 18, 2026
One of my fav authors of all time

Okay listen i REALLY need you to give this book a chance, i always tell people Ariel's writing deserves way more hype than it gets because she's seriously SO good at drawing you in and creating stories that are beautiful but also get your heart beating at the same time. Liv & Luxs story was so good, if you like flowers, demons, hot assassins, nightmare shadows, flowers that eat people, comedy, coffee shops and personal assistants with enough sass to power Las Vegas then read Problematic. This is my new fav I think, even over Dear Death and that's one of my top reads of all time. 5/5 ⭐️ high recommend.
Profile Image for Scarlet.
331 reviews16 followers
October 19, 2026
This book had me giggling and kicking my feet throughout it. This book follows Liv who works two jobs and enjoys laying back with a good dark romance. Lux is a devilishly handsome demon lord who spots her coming into his tower and pursues her in the most unhinged way. I throughly enjoyed the banter throughtout this book and the chemistry was the chefs kiss. I loved the fact of team work was also involved between Liv and her friends so she was never alone. If you love demons, spice, and unforgettable characters then this is the read for you. Highly Recommend! I got this arc via the author and this is my voluntary review .
Profile Image for Kat.
13 reviews9 followers
September 6, 2026
perfection!

Love a good stalker romance! Throw in steamy romance, touch her and die vibes and a literal shadow daddy…yes please!
Profile Image for Michellereads87.
140 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for this advanced reader copy.

I was not sure what I was getting into when I signed up for this, but man what a pleasant surprise it was. The mmc had me laughing hysterically throughout this book. Just full on big belly laughs. He is the perfect mixture of Zade Meadows (Cat&Mouse duet) and Josh Hammond (Lights Out). As far as the fmc goes, I saw so much of myself in her. I truly related with her so much. They were just perfect for each other. Please add this to your tbr. Also guys this is a standalone and I ate it up.
24 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 31, 2026
I am absolutely kicking my feet while reading this addictive nugget when I have errands to run and life to do. I simply cannot put this down even for a minute! The MMC Lux Draven is the absolute leader of New Abaddon and is trying desperately to protect its borders from outside forces. His fictional and feared assassin (and actual persona non grata) is the first face the MFC Olivia “Liv” Heart meets and sees. Unbeknownst to her, the mate bond snaps in place on his side but not on hers. Through his trusted assistant Vale Ryker - (think Iron Man’s Jarvis but in human form) his voice of reason, first general, and right hand/confidant - Lux starts to obsess about knowing everything about Liv including who she associates with, actively stalks and breaks into her place of residence to leave her thoughtful gifts and love notes, and through nefarious means sets up surveillance and protective measures to ensure her safety. He’s the true definition of OTT. This eventually backfires on him in the most epic fashion. Meanwhile, Lux has to adjust his whole entire mind frame, woo Liv, and balance work and “domestic” life. He learns the hard way that trust and honesty is a two-way street. As they try to figure out the what’s and why’s Fate threw at them, New Abaddon is on the verge of the threat of invasion, the discovery of their hidden identities and abilities can literally make or break this new couple. Along the way, we are introduced to an endearing supportive cast of friends and social misfits - Sam and Mandi (Liv’s work wives and close friends) and Kalon (Lux’s main competitor for Liv’s affections). What Lux does to neutralize him as a threat is genius on so many levels. Does Lux and Liv have a chance to test and survive this new mate bond before New Abaddon burns to the ground? Liv may initially come across as common and docile, but she is fierce and headstrong. She is endearing and quirky, but she should never be underestimated and be assumed weak and powerless. I love her growth and transformation. Ariel is a tremendous writer who interjects unusual wit and humor into the most inappropriate situations and at times poor timing especially during life-and-death but rather revealing moments, the action scenes play out like a movie, and the dialogue is honest and at times self-deprecating. I laughed, I threw my Kindle a few times, and I might have shed a tear or two. Overall, I had a great time reading Problematic. Can we get a sequel? Pretty please? Ariel, you asked what my favorite quote was on social media post. I have highlighted a few passages here and there, but I am more interested in the intent and message of the story. If I had to pick one - “Because you put salt in a matcha latte this morning.” Kalon says to Liv. We are all hot messes who may look put together on the outside, but we are really all mad on the inside. It also sums up rather accurately what to expect when diving into this amazing story. At times FUBAR with a happy ending and a heavy sprinkle of spice.
Profile Image for Elizabeth .
181 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
The writing pulled me in almost immediately, and the pacing made this incredibly difficult to put down. The world felt vivid without becoming overwhelming, and I especially loved the magic system and the way it was woven naturally into the story. There’s darkness here, but there’s also enough humor and personality to keep the book from ever feeling too heavy.

Olivia was wonderfully relatable, particularly as a bookish heroine who knows perfectly well what a red flag looks like in fiction…and apparently still has questions when one appears in real life. And Lux? An entire collection of red flags wrapped in charm, danger, and questionable decision making. Somehow, it works. Their dynamic was easily one of my favorite parts of the story, the chemistry, the tension, and the way their relationship develops made them ridiculously entertaining to follow.

I also really enjoyed the friendships and the larger cast surrounding them. They gave the story warmth and personality beyond the romance, while the spice fit naturally into Olivia and Lux’s connection rather than overpowering everything else.

What surprised me most was how easily Problematic balanced all of its pieces. It has the danger, morally questionable behavior, supernatural intrigue, and heat you expect from a dark romance, yet it’s also genuinely funny, adventurous, and oddly charming. At times, I almost forgot I was reading something dark at all.

Immersive, addictive, and just the right amount of unhinged, this was such a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Abbadon and would absolutely recommend it to readers who like their fictional men powerful, dangerous, and composed almost entirely of warning signs.

Thank you to the author for the ARC.
Profile Image for Nicole .
20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 28, 2026
I received an advanced reader's copy from the author prior to the publication of this book.

I consumed this story within a matter of days. I personally related to Liv on so many levels that I felt like the author had copied and pasted components of my own interests and personality traits into the main character herself. All of my favorite parts of a dark romance were woven into this book - unhinged, over the top, obsessive male lead, morally grey masked stalker, will burn the world down for her, a monster to everyone else but a complete teddy bear for his love.

The chemistry between our two leads - Liv and Lux - practically leapt off the pages between their witty banter and their internal monologues through the dual pov alternating chapters. The development of their relationship unraveled beautifully and never felt rushed or forced. Their growth as individual characters as they fell deeper for one another was different than most dark romance books. Whereas many male leads change only for their woman, Lux matured and tried to alter his personality beyond just how he dealt with Liv. Instead of brushing her aside and taking away her choices like the traditional morally grey ott male does, he actively listened to her and took what she said and felt into consideration. It was a nice change of pace whereas typically with this trope, the female lead is seen as weak and just kind of goes along with what the strong, male lead wants/order her to do.

Lux and Liv become equals throughout the book with a mutual earned respect and love for one another that goes beyond their mate marks. I truly enjoyed this book and will be reading more by this author! I'm hoping we get some insight into Vale who I loved as a minor character and would love to see his own story.
Profile Image for LittleBatsy.
141 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 27, 2026
"The decent response would have been appreciation. I managed silence. I deserved an award."~Lux
Liv and Lux are hilarious and I absolutely love them. I love everything about this book from the characters to the plot, from the dialog to the world building, just everything about it. Absolutely loved Mandi, Kolan and Sam and how they were there for Liv throughout the whole book. Absolutely love when besties are actually besties. And Vale...absolutely love Vale and his grumpiness with Lux about everything he does. 🤭🤭 I really hope we get a book for him because he definitely deserves it for putting up with Lux and all his crazy ideas.
I really loved the plot of this book, it was unique and I loved how I was able to follow along and not get lost. Love how Liv was reading about a stalker while being stalked 🤭🤭. And I love how Lux wrote in her book,(which is a big no no normally...but in this case 🤭🤭) he knew what he was doing. And I love how he tried to justify everything he did (not only to Liv and Vale but also to himself) and in the end realize he was wrong and he apologized. I absolutely loved both Liv and Lux's thoughts throughout the whole book, absolutely hilarious 😂.
I absolutely LOVED the ending 🤭🤭, Poor Lux is definitely out of his depth and yay Liv for putting him there. I swooned so hard when he gave her the company with the partnership with her flower job and then with retail space for books!! He gave her everything she could want in a job with that. Coffee, books, and flowers as she said it!! Ugh I want me a Lux 😍
Overall this has been such an amazing read and is now one of my top five favorite books I've had the pleasure of reading!! 100/10!!
Profile Image for Amanda Bosch.
77 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 24, 2026
This might be one of my favorite reads of the summer. I received an arc from the author and devoured it within 24 hours. Reading a physical copy is almost unheard of as of late since I am actively renovating and opening my bookstore. I have been strictly an audio girl as time is a luxury these days, so to have finished a book of over 400 pages in under 24 hours tells you something!

I am not a spoiler girlie, so there will be none here.

Ariel’s characters are absolutely lovable, memorable, and relatable. I immediately connected with the FMC, Liv. Liv is an average and powerless girl (demon) living in a world dominated by magically potent and pretentious demons. Unseen, she serves them coffee and delivers their flowers. She simply exists, finding comfort in her friends at the coffee shop, her mundane routine, and within the pages of her spicy books.

Then there is our MMC, Lux. Lux Draven. Lord Draven to be exact. Ruler of the North, arrogant, gorgeous, brilliant, and a total psycho (but in the best way).

The banter is superb. The spice is potent. All in all, the story and chemistry between bet the MMC/FMC (and the supporting characters!) kept me invested, laughing, and really wishing I was a barista with a fated mate.
I want more!

I loved the slight nods to pop culture (I see you Star Wars).

And! Cannot express how big a fan of Vale and Mandi I am! You’ll see!

I will be recommending (and gifting) this book to all of my friends when they need a light, fun, and sexy as hell (or New Abbadon?) read.
Profile Image for Courtney.
2,121 reviews209 followers
September 1, 2026
Problematic came up on my IG page as a recommended book based on my other reads and authors I follow and for once, I am absolutely thrilled I followed through on this one and was granted an early copy.

I absolutely loved this story for so many reasons. The characters, the writing, the dialogue, the entire plot and the humor that was added at the right times was perfection.

I really enjoyed how Ariel told this story. It is a dark-ish paranormal romance with some humor dabbled in at the right times. Usually with paranormal or fantasy stories, we are riddled with the world building and character introductions. But with this book, Ariel's writing still allows that world creation and vision without feeling overwhelmed and taking away from the actual story being told. It blended with the storytelling and I could still picture it all.

Liv and Lux - oh these two had me howling and loving them all the same time. I loved their attraction to one another and yet found their inner musings very hilarious. And that humor tumbled into their interactions at times, which just made their connection so much stronger (even as bonded mates).

The storyline for Problematic flows perfectly and I love how everything just blends so well. The darkness that surrounds Lux and who he is; the spice and attraction between Liv and Lux; Liv's life and how she evolves into her true self - I loved it all.

This book kept me glued to the pages from start to finish. The story flowed perfectly and the characters were absolutely entertaining. Definitely a recommended read for anyone.
Profile Image for Miya readz.
21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 28, 2026
🔥ARC review🔥

Reading a dark romcom was not on my bingo card this year. I didn’t even know that was possible! Saying I absolutely LOVE this book is an understatement! Lux had me in the tightest chokehold that I did not want to be saved from! He is the most dangerous, HOTTEST, funniest red flag that you WANT as your stalker! Sure he did some questionable things but he also did what he thought was best for Liv and her safety. Kind of hard to stay mad at a tall, buff, red eyed and white haired demon lord, am I right? Plus he’s a total cinnamon role just for her which makes him the total package. I can’t be the only one who relates to Liv who reads smutty dark romance and wishes to live her own in real life! She was also a strong girl who didn’t give up and held her own. The chemistry she had with Lux was incredible and the spicy scenes were flawless! I lived for the conversations between these two, their witty comebacks had me laughing so hard that I would have people asking me if I was okay. In comes daddy Vale, Lux’s right hand man. Their interactions were hilarious as well and I feel like Vale needs his own book now too! If you’re looking for a dark romance with great humor, spice, loveable MCs, world building and awesome side characters then run to preorder this masterpiece and make Lux or Vale your next book boyfriend! Thank you Ariel for the opportunity to read this amazing ARC!
Profile Image for Hannah.
1,010 reviews10 followers
August 31, 2026
Shadow daddy!

Fated mates, shadow magic and masked men rom-com style? Heck yes! Grab Problematic to find out more.

Olivia is ordinary. Unlike others living in New Abaddon, she has no demonic powers. She has two jobs, a questionable Kindle history, and no mate bond. Until she makes a delivery to Lux Towers and catches the eye of of the most powerful demon in the city, that is.

Lux has a dilemma. His mate mark activates when he sees Liv, but because his face is masked, hers doesn’t. Now he must choose - reveal himself and let the bond form, or keep his face hidden and let her choose. But the draw of the bond means Lux can’t keep away…and as things heat up, Liv discovers a side of herself she never knew existed.

I loved this story. It’s shadow daddy, it’s masked man, it’s fated mates…it is absolutely one of those books where you just suspend reality and enjoy. The banter is top notch and all the characters are so funny. Liv is a reader herself, and some of my favourite bits were when she relates her situation to the stories she reads. Lux is very much a Batman-esque character - the billionaire who wears a mask to do what his alter ego can’t.

The romance itself is slow burn, but the spice heats up a little sooner. It is extremely open door. The story deals with classism, stalking, exploration of toys, and imprisonment.

I highly recommend this to any fans of PNR who like a masked man every now and then.
Profile Image for ChokeholdByFiction .
315 reviews2 followers
September 6, 2026
The world, the characters and genuinely the whole idea behind this story were fantastic. I really enjoyed the world Ariel created and found the concept incredibly interesting. Our main characters caught my attention pretty quickly too. I mean, I'm a sucker for a masked man, so Lux didn't exactly have to work very hard 😆 and I absolutely loved the concept behind Liv's powers.
Despite enjoying the book, though, it wasn't quite perfect for me. There were a few continuity errors throughout, and the flow felt a little off in some scenes, which occasionally pulled me out of the story.
I also have slightly mixed feelings about the dialogue. The banter itself was sassy and funny, and there were definitely exchanges that made me laugh, but there were so many exchanges made up of one word or very short answers that by the end they started to grate on me a little. Used occasionally, I think that kind of dialogue can make banter feel really punchy, but when it happens constantly, conversations start feeling less natural and more like a string of catchphrases. I found myself wishing some of those interactions had been allowed to breathe a little more.
That being said, there was still a lot here that I genuinely enjoyed.
76 reviews6 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
eARC received by Author

Problematic is a standalone dark fantasy romance following Olivia (Liv) and Lux. Liv is a powerless demon working two jobs, a barista at a coffee shop and flower delivery, just to make ends meet. Lux is the leader of the area and as powerful and rich as they come. After a chance encounter, lines blur and Liv finds her darkest fantasies coming alive.

When I first started this book, I wasn't sure if I would like it. The setting was like the world we know, but with demons and humans mixed together and being part of the lower class. After a few chapters, I started to get into it and I liked the demonic parts of the story. It gave the romance a little something more than what you normally get out of dark romances. The characters were lovable, even when they made questionable decisions. There was also alot of humor, which had me laughing through even the serious parts of the story. The main characters go through a great deal and their development through the book really progressed well. I loved the friendships that Liv had as well. I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to Ariel Brouillette for allowing me the chance to read this early!
Profile Image for Taylor.
18 reviews36 followers
September 3, 2026
Problematic was an absolute 5⭐️ read for me! I LOVED this book! 😂🖤 It had me laughing with its witty, sarcastic humor while also giving me all the dark paranormal chaos I could ask for.

This book was the perfect mix of dark, funny, magical, and unhinged, and I was completely here for it. The characters, the humor, and the paranormal elements kept me entertained and wanting to keep turning the pages!

And honestly? A bookish FMC paired with demons, magic, morally grey-to-black characters, a masked stalker, and a man who falls first? Say less. I’m in. 😌🖤

One quote that I absolutely loved was:

“You don’t need to be ashamed of needing too much. I was built for too much.” 🖤

Yeah… that one got me. 🥹🖤

Tropes:
🖤 Touch Her and 💀
😈 Demons
✨ Magic
🖤 Morally Grey/Black
❤️ He Falls First
🔮 Fated Mates
🎭 Masked Stalker
📚 Bookish FMC

If you love a dark paranormal romcom filled with witty humor, sarcasm, magic, chaos, and darker characters, you definitely need to check this one out!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars from me!

Thank you Arielle for the ARC! I received an advance copy and am leaving this review voluntarily. 🖤
8 reviews
September 21, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars!

If you’re looking for a book to pull you straight out of a reading slump, DON’T MISS THIS ONE!

The characters are so down-to-earth and relatable that it’s impossible not to get invested in their journey. And the banter?! It runs throughout the entire book and had me giggling, grinning, and kicking my feet like a schoolgirl. 😂 The chemistry is chef’s kiss.

Liv’s character growth is one of my favorite parts. Watching her evolve throughout the story was so satisfying. Lux, on the other hand, is absolutely impossible to leash—and poor Vale has to work overtime trying to keep up with him. LOL. Their dynamic had me thoroughly entertained!

And then there’s the yearning, close proximity, romance, action, magic, and spice… spice… and MORE spice. 🔥 Everything you could want is packed into this story, and somehow it all works together perfectly.

This book has heart, humor, chemistry, tension, action, and enough spice to keep those pages turning. If you’ve been stuck in a reading slump, this is the book to pick up and break out of it.

Seriously, don’t sleep on this one. Go read it! ❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Michelle Robichaux.
74 reviews12 followers
August 30, 2026
✨ARC REVIEW✨

Firstly thank you Ariel for letting me ARC read your book!

When I tell yall this book was 🥵🔥 I’m not kidding! I have been in a genre slump and this one popped up as next. I was skeptical bc I’m normally a romantacy girly.. but holy crap this book was 10/10!!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

I was hooked by chapter 2! When I tell you the banter in this is freaking amazing.. I’m not even kidding! I don’t think I’ve highlights so much in a book 🤭🤭 I loved the plot. The characters are so great! The FMCs friends remind me of my friends! The book was a solid 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ outta 4. But beautifully done! It was spicy and intimate and feral.

From the masked stalker, to the violence, to the relatability of the characters and their jobs! A barista as your main FMC but her friends are a riot! The villain, the masked stalker. And the billionaire overprotective MMC. Who is totally morally grey I would dare say nearly morally black 🤣

If you like spicy. Banter. Character building. Great writing style, this book is for you. Go get it asap!! I do not regret genre jumping and can’t wait to read more!
Profile Image for its_taliaaa_reads.
33 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive this ARC from the author, and oh my god is lucky an understatement! I absolutely ATE this book up. This was my first stalker romance, and it far exceeded my expectations! The story roped me in right from the first page. It gave me Crescent City vibes because of the urban setting with magical elements while still being modern. I am beyond in love with the characters in this book. Not only were the MMC and FMC (Lux and Liv) memorable and hilarious together, but also the secondary characters (yes I mean Vale and Sam) had me so invested. The banter in this book is so on point, and I just had such a great time reading it. I loved all the bookish references and saw so much of myself in Liv. I think any book girlie would. And Lux … I could make a collage of all his red flags, but I would proudly display it on my wall like its the Mona Lisa. This is the epitome of a “just one more chapter” read, you won’t be able to put it down!
Profile Image for Suzanne Bruijn.
56 reviews3 followers
September 6, 2026
Thank you so much for the arc opportunity!

!! Always check the trigger warnings, before reading!!

This book hooked me from page 1. What an addictive story.

Lux Draven is the big bad demon lord who rules the city. He is really frightening for the other demons, humans and other species in the city.

Olivia Heart is powerless and works 2 jobs. She loves to read books in her little free time. She has not found her mate yet. And she really wants to.

Wow did I like all the characters in this book. The MMC and FMC are great but the side characters Vale, Mandi, Kalon and Sam too. So well written and completely believable. I felt like I was a part of the story instead of reading it.

And than the plot twists and the turns. I really didn’t see some coming but they are very good! I recommend everyone to read this book and get hooked yourself.

I really need to read more books from this author.
11 reviews
September 7, 2026
The reason this didn’t get 4 or 5 stars is simple plot holes. It never explained who or why flowers were delivered to Lux which is the entire reason they even met and formed a mate bond. Which feels pretty major since the entire story centers on them meeting and the rest is just meh. I could not fully get behind this story with such a major plot hole. The banter was okay, but sometimes repetitive. I feel like the story was meant to really grab at “smut lovers” and “booktok enthusiasts “ so these things would be overlooked. As an avid reader, and not just a new trend reader because booktok made it cool it’s not something I could overlook. Having said that, I’ve never wrote and published a damn book so kudos for that, and while this book fell flat for me I have hopes for this author to learn and grow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kylie S.
12 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2026
ARC Review Ahead 🖤

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

If you are looking for an addictive read, this is definitely it! Even if it does call out some of us bookish girlies, lol.
​
The book is completely captivating and impossible to put down. I flew right through the last half of the book because the momentum just doesn't let up.
​
The spice in this book is fantastic—it hits that sweet spot of being steamy and present, yet still grounded and realistic.

​Let's be honest, Lux Draven is hottt and a shadow daddy... I mean hello! On the flip side, poor Vale definitely doesn't get paid enough for everything he has to deal with. Although, the comedic relief of his exhaustion is too funny at times. Liv is grounded and down to earth. So are her friends.

​Overall, this is definitely a good read that delivers on all fronts: mates, demons, high stakes, spice, and unforgettable characters.
Profile Image for nerdybookbabe.
43 reviews1 follower
September 4, 2026
What's up book babes!

Fated mates, demons, and masked men...oh my!
I've always passed on any paranormal books, but oh man! I'm so happy I gave this one a chance. It blew my mind. I didn't get lost like I normally do. It flows and paces very well that it kept pulling me in. I couldn't stop reading. The characters, the plot and the spice! The banter! It was an unhinged and funny time. Just...chief kiss. This book had me in a choke hold. I'm slowly discovering paranormal books that I enjoy and this is now on the top of that list. If you're starting your paranormal romance era, oh and also some dark romance, I would totally recommend this book, 100%. Pick it up, add it to your TBR. You will not regret this one!
Profile Image for RoniReads&#x1f5a4;.
6 reviews
September 10, 2026
I got this book as a ARC.
I DEVOURED THIS BOOK! It was one of those books that was hard to put down! Author definitely owes me a coffee for the night I stayed up till 2am bc I could not put my kindle down! 🤣
I loved this book.
Lux (MMC) it absolutely problematic 🤭 he gives Zade meadows but just silly & so unserious (except when it comes to liv (MFC) 🤭
Lux, leader of an entire city, who everyone is afraid of, who’s powers are absolutely terrifying, who has no mate UNTIL he sees Olivia , a barista who thinks she’s a powerless nobody who also works at a flower shop.
He absolutely becomes obsessed with Olivia but refuses to let her know he’s her mate 🤭
This is definitely a good and fun, a good dark romcom!
If you’re unsure about reading it, let this be your sign!
Profile Image for Magdalena Wie.
125 reviews3 followers
September 13, 2026
This one is everything I want from urban fantasy: dark themes balanced with genuinely funny, biting humor that keeps things from ever feeling too heavy. It's a light, fast read that doesn't skimp on atmosphere — a fairly standard urban fantasy setting, but executed with enough confidence and personality that it never feels generic.

The dynamic between the strong, capable MMC and the initially powerless FMC is the heart of the book. Watching her go from having nothing to slowly uncovering her destiny (and the power that comes with it) is so satisfying, and Brouillette paces that arc really well. If you love your fantasy a little dark but still want to laugh out loud along the way, this delivers. Honestly, it's a classic of the genre for a reason — Ariel nails the formula here
Profile Image for Emily.
35 reviews
September 21, 2026
* Thank you, Arielle for letting me read this as an ARC*

This book made me so happy; many other emotions were also part of the journey. I love an MMC who is callous, homicidal, and downright bad but still has an amazing sense of humor to where I can chuckle throughout the book. That is exactly what Lux Draven does. He swirls his way into your heart and makes you feel angry, horny as hell, and makes you laugh. I loved watching his growth. Liv and her character arc were written amazing as well. She has always seen herself as a powerless, unloved, and undeserving. She feels that way most of the book until she realizes what she wants and even comes into her powers in a great way. Just the entirety of the book had me wanting to read more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
71 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2026
This was such a fun read! In the words of liv, this book grabbed me by the throat, promising only one more chapter, and walking me straight into sleep deprivation and a concerning attachment to fictional murder men.

I absolutely LOVED the banter throughout this book! The humor, the chaos, the characters, and the way the dialogue had me laughing made this such an entertaining read. Between a demon lord with questionable impulse control, a barista and Vale trying to keep everyone alive while maintaining some semblance of professionalism, I didnt want to put this down!

If you love your romance with demons, obsession, chaotic banter, and fictional men who make questionable life choices, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Profile Image for Zonia H.
147 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2026
Thank you to the author for the advance readers copy

I really enjoyed reading about Liv and Lux. I thought this story would be serious, but it had me laughing and I loved it. I really enjoyed the magic system that the author created. The FMC, Liv, is someone that I feel many can relate to feeling like she doesn’t belong, working 2 jobs, and a spunk of feistiness. Meanwhile Lux is the strong, dangerous, funny, and a bit obsessed MMC.
The story was well written and I had a hard time putting it down. There was drama, there was love, there were fights, but most importantly both Liv and Lux grew not just as individual people, but as mates
204 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
August 30, 2026
Book: Problematic
Author: Ariel Brouillette
Series: Standalone
Pages: 496
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5
[16, 17, 19, 22, 23, 32]

🖤 Masked Man
🖤 Book Loving heroine
🖤 Shadow Demon Lord X Barista
🖤 Stalking
🖤 Calla her ‘Little Flower’
🖤 Unhinged for her

The banter in this book is absolutely hilarious 😂

Liv is working 2 jobs and enjoys reading her dark romance books. She believes that she is powerless and plain but Lux knows differently.

Lux, a handsome demon lord with a pet assassin sees her delivering flowers to his tower and becomes completely unhinged for her. Literally, the man is a walking red flag.
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