The Problem Client

Men of Café Seuil #1

by K.P. Maxwell

An irresistible client. A carnal arrangement. What if he doesn’t want it to end?

Damien Lambert has been working at trendy Café Seuil in Portland, Oregon, for several years to pay off some old debt. By day, he helps manage the café’s daily operations along with his handsome coworkers. By night, well… let’s just say that there’s more than coffee on the menu.

On the floor above the café, mysterious, magic doors open to hosting rooms where the café’s employees take clients and satisfy their darkest desires. When Damien has finally paid off all of the debt from his past, he’s looking for a fresh start. But there’s one client left that he just can’t seem to say no to.…

The Problem Client is the first book in a steamy urban paranormal romance series following the men of Café Seuil and their male clientele.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Shapeshifters, Queer, Gay

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 5, 2019

About the author

KP Maxwell loves writing sexy, playful, and occasionally absurd stories with a touch of magic. She's currently working on the Men of Café Seuil series. She enjoys reading romances of all kinds, but M/M romances hold a special place in her heart.

For updates, bonus content, and occasional pet photos, join her on her author newsletter at: https://kpmaxwell.com/newsletter/

Reviews

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn’t get why this one had such rave reviews? It was alright, but not a knock out. I thought the story was okay but really underdeveloped, in that it could have been so much more and I thought the writing was unsophisticated 😔

[Joyfully Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Joyfully Jay review.

3.75 stars

K.P. Maxwell is a new author for me and The Problem Client starts the Men of Café Seuil series and follows the men that work there. When I opened the book to discover it was written in third person present tense, it was jarring, as that is not a tense that works best for me, but I settled into it as the story went on.

This book focuses on Damien and introduces us to the magical café where he works. After Damien left law school, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do and when a door appeared that brought him to the café, he found a new home. The magic is only loosely explained here and we are only told that the owner, Melanie, controls it.

The café offers an intriguing setting for this series and all the characters were interesting as well. I enjoyed the reveals that happened throughout the book, but at some point, I felt that too much was being held back.

Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.

[Patricia Hoffstaetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author to me & this standalone, paranormal MM romance is a splendid start to the “Men of Café Seuil” series. The plot is well-written with an extremely interesting storyline that has good world building & some detailed scene descriptions. The main characters are well-depicted as unique individuals with complex personalities & actually complement each other very nicely. The secondary characters play significant roles & offered good support throughout the storyline.
It is about: a strong-willed yet bratty young man (Damien Lambert) works as a barista at a magical “Café Seuil” during the day & as an escort at night. Damien has just paid off all his past student lawyer debts & is quite determined not to have any more clients but he has one last client (Tyler Balducci aka Ty) that he just cannot reject but Ty has a few pleasant & not so pleasant surprises in store for Damien
There is: a witch & caring owner (Melanie) of the magical Café, various kinds of shifters, male baristas/escorts, male clientele, mates, twists & turns, intrigue, drama, mystery, magic, secrets, humour, friendship, comradery, intense attractions, anticipation, longings, playfulness, warnings, possessiveness, anger, decisions, determination, misunderstandings, jealousy, emotional turmoil, regrets, compromises, bonding, some steamy scenes & a happy conclusion for this couple with a interesting ending that is paving the way for the next book in this series.

[Shelba · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF @ 41%.

The problem with this client is that he is hardly featured in the book. In the first 43 pages, Tyler makes an appearance on 4 of them. He’s name isn’t even mentioned until page 49. Altogether, Tyler is present for 29/100 pages. Six of those pages aren’t even with Damien.

And then there is a random Melanie POV at 33%. I don’t need Melanie POVs… I need one of my main characters to be on page more than any given supporting character.

Not to mention that not only does this have miscommunication as a conflict, but it’s purposefully done. Damien is purposefully misleading Ty to believe one thing, and then upset when that false information give Tyler a false impression? Okay…

I’m skimming over far too much of this to continue reading this.

[JD Crittendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Magical Bond!

Sexy Host/Cafe Manager Damien is juggling his desire for problem client Ty and what he wants out of life. This is an intriguing, paranormal tale with likable, mystical MCs, a plethora of co/side characters, and a slow-burn romance. It reads more like a life story than a romantic tale. I don’t usually read shifters tale, but this is one I liked. I plan to read more of Cafe Seuil.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien, barista by day and an escort by night, has a problem client. One he just can't stop seeing, even though he's planning to move on with his life. This was, honestly, a great start to a novel that just got better as it went along-- it's hard to say too much without spoilers, but there's such great world building here, along with an increasingly weird, wonderful, and supernatural cast of characters. Damien is fun: strong, organized, diligent and yet also impish. Ty is perfect for him, although he makes plenty of mistakes along the way. It was Damien's fellow hosts, however, who stole the show for me: each is fascinating in his own way, while also the perfect foil for and friend to Damien. I must know more about all of them.

Tl;dr This is a super enjoyable read: great characters, great world, and solid writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ken Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just read the prequel, I opted to start the Cafe Seuil series. This novel is extremely well written, with an active twisting plot and introduces the series' base characters as they enhance the focus on the two major characters of book #1. The complex client relationship brought laughs, smiles and some cringes as the story progresses. This reader looks forward to more magic and coffee at the Cafe Seuil

[Natosha Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an incredible book! This is one of those reads that when you start it, you cannot put it down. I honestly fell in love with the main character Damien and even all of the supporting characters as well! Ty is the second main character but with him, I felt he did not really come into play until about a quarter of the way into the book, but boy is he ever a complicated man.

Damien works at Café Seuil in Portland. He has been working here for a few years now as pretty much the manager of the café. But this is not your normal café because just above the café itself is where Damien holds down his second job as an escort. The big difference in his job as an escort is his clients do not come to be clients the normal way. See there is magic involved in the escorting portion of the business. In order to become a client a magical door has to appear and that door, if opened, will bring you to a room with whomever you are meant to meet up with for the night. This is how Damien meets his problem client he cannot get enough of.

Ty knows all about Café Seuil. He and the owner, Melanie, have known each other for years. They even work together from time to time. So when one of Melanie’s doors appears and Ty decides to step through it, he never expected to meet someone like Damien.

Now, months later, Ty cannot get Damien off his mind. Damien has quit taking all his other clients but he cannot seem to get enough of Ty. So what could possibly go wrong between these two men who like each other so much? A lot actually! Ty has some major secrets that he has not let Damien in on.

How will Ty and Damien navigate their blossoming relationship? Will Damien be able to handle the secrets that Ty has been keeping from him?

This was an incredible start to this series! I truly loved it so much and I cannot wait to see what will happen in the next book! Incredible read!


NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Kristen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is simultaenously full of absolutely nothing pertinent but also stuffed full of empty words and unneccessary information. I still have no idea what this book was supposed to be ABOUT. There's entire chapters that could have been removed and nothing would have been lost or gained. There's so much head-jumping to characters who are not the MMC or his LI. I do NOT need a POV from a side character. That's so completely unncessary and jarring to the reader.

Damien, our MMC, spends more time with the side-characters than he does with Ty, his LI. To the point where a relationship with a side character would have been more believable than with Ty. And for the premise of the book being sex-work, there's almost no explicit sex that happens.

252 pages and you still know next to nothing about the Ty. He's literally just a name on a page to me, I don't get it. (A name you don't even get until 20% in, I might add.) All the relationship building seemed to just not happen or happen off page. The fact they already had a previous standing relationship that was never discussed in depth was a cop-out to me.

All in all, this book needed a rewrite with a better editor. A plot needed to be better hashed out before writing.

[Tony Farnden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Problem Client is Ty and the problem is that Damien cannot get him out of is head. That is so wrong in so many ways for Damien as he thinks he has finally got himself sorted. He’s paid off his student debts and he can move on but the feelings he has for the client and for his job are holding him back. Working at the Café Seuil is never going to be simple as every one involved there is need of something or someone in their lives. Added to that is the fact that that someone is also in need of something similar. When the client is that someone the host did not know they needed then that’s when the problems start. A host probably should not fall in love with a client but that what’s going to happen to Damien. That is just the start of the problems the two guys are going to face. Maybe things will work out if they can trust each other and be open with each other.

This is an exciting read in terms of a stormy romance that seems heading for the rocks on more than one occasion.

[Latecia Jennings · Rating 4 out of 5]

**First Time Reader** I went into this thinking this was going to be a very interesting romance with some paranormal elements thrown in. I wasn't disappointed. I really enjoyed how the story unfolded...a real page turner. The unusual relationship between Damien and Ty was intense but in other ways was sweet. They had a lot of push and pull going on which had me at times slightly annoyed but all in all it was fun to see Damien having Ty (the big bad alpha male) wrapped around his finger. I loved the friendships Damien had with the other "hosts" at the cafe...a lot of affection and camaraderie. I hated to see it end but was overjoyed to see that there will be more stories to come for the guys at the cafe.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LJ Henley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien started working AR Cafe Seuil because he had student loans and it was a great away to get out of debt in an enjoyable easy way. He helped the owner manage the cafe during the day and at night he would host clients in special rooms and fulfill their desires. Eventually Damien has only one client, Ty, who he has developed feelings for. Ty has a secret that he is hesitant to share with Damien. Over time Ty gets possessive of Damien but he does tell Damien about how he feels. How will things work out for both of them? I enjoyed this book! It has MM romance and passion. Explicit sex scenes are included but I didn't think it was distasteful. A HEA to look forward to. I'm planning on reading more of KP Maxwell's work in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Starfish7_14 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this author, I like the way the characters are handled particularly as I am not very comfortable with the MCs profession (I have concerns about sex work being glamorised while denying the exploitative nature of the industry). Thankfully the premise is that both parties are fulfilling mutual desires and the Madam is more a go between than wholly profiting and the hosts get 90%. Anyway back to the story, I really like the urban fantasy aspects and the vibes between the two MCs. The interactions with the other hosts/roommates were interesting enough to make me want to hear their story so on to the next book! But lastly, one negative which dropped it a star; I wanted Damien’s back story. I found it unbelievable that he wasn’t contacted by family or friends since he dropped out and essentially disappeared from law school, it kept nagging at me and pulled me out of the story.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love or lust

Though this book clearly had paranormal elements (what is essentially a brothel but the clients only come through at night by magic doors) it leaned far more into the paranormal as it went on than I had expected. Though it was an unexpected turn it did make for a good book. It is hard to say too much about it, but Damien has feelings for his last remaining client and isn't able to leave the cafe and move on because of that. As he discovers more about his client he also questions more about what he wants for his life and what path he should take, as opposed to what path he wants to take. With a couple of twists and turns and some good character interactions this story keeps things interesting yet close and emotional, while opening up a whole world of stories.

[Raven and Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cafe Seuil is not your average coffee shop. The men who work there offer "services" to clients who walk through magical doors. Who knows how they are matched up but the system ALWAYS works. Damien has a client that is becoming a problem because he has become a habit. He only has the one client left and works mostly behind the scenes at the Cafe now but he can't let go of this one client. That client has his own secrets and has to figure out exactly what he wants. This is a very unique take on the whole escort idea set in a magical Portland. I love the characters. There's a certain magic about the whole thing that I enjoyed. A good read. I am going to have to look up the rest of the series!

[Susan Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually stay away from rent-boy stories, but The Problem Client by KP Maxwell is so different from the usual that I wound up really liking it. I’m sure that has to do with the mix of paranormal elements with the “host” characters. The main character Damien grew on me. I did not like him at first since I don’t understand people who don’t have goals in life, but he got himself together by the end of the book. The characters who surround Damien are a mix. I tend not to enjoy alphas and there is one, but I fell in love with one of Damien’s fellow hosts Kaz for several reasons. I’m already looking forward to his story! Portland is a good choice for a paranormal city, as it has such a unique vibe anyway that it is easy to believe there is more than meets the eye there.

[DENICE · Rating 4 out of 5]

COMMUNICATING THE TRUTH SET THEM FREE

There is magic at the Seuil café. The doors are there for specific reasons. Damien, one of the hosts, has become enamored with a client that he names ‘The Problem Client’. He has gotten rid of all his clients, except one, The Problem Client. He finally finds out his name, Ty. Ty is territorial and doesn’t want Damien to have any other clients. The games that Damien plays and the secret that Ty has makes it hard for them to get what they really desire. I like the way that once they decided on revealing the whole truth, how things worked out for them to have a HEA.

[Kay Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have some conflicting feelings on this one. I liked the world this is set in and the way the author related new information to the reader when it was needed, instead of info-dumping a lot of information at the beginning, and I liked the friendships between Damien and his co-workers, though I could have used a bit more of them spending time together.

Unfortunely the romance aspect was seriously lacking. It felt like all the romance happened off-screen, and I really wasn't rooting for Damien and Ty to get together. In fact, at one point in the story I was completely convinced that Kaz was actually end game.

I probably won't be reading any other books in the series.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series and I really enjoyed it. It is different from anything else I have read. Magic, shifters and humans all mixed together. I loved the interaction between the main characters and all the secondary characters. There are some really interesting friends on both sides. It is well written and really easy to read. The café is a warm and comfortable place to be. I am looking forward to the next book. I can't wait to see which couple will be featured next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Courtney Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I have to say it won’t be the last. The world they build in your mind is new and unique. I always love to read books that aren’t our reality and this one was different from anything I’ve ever read. The love story was sweet and had a few bumps along the way. But you can’t help but fall in love with Ty and Damien. I’m excited to read more from this world in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I downloaded the preview to this book and was so looking forward to reading more about Damian and his "problem client" when I received the ARC from this first time author for me!

It does not disappoint if you like reading about rent boys and how they really portray themselves when the mask falls.

I love the character building of Damian the MC when he finds his true purpose at the Cafe Seuil forming a close knit family with his co-workers and the story that unfolds regarding his only client that is left after all his debts are paid.

A beautiful love story about magic doors that leads you to the person you are meant to be with.

I am looking forward to Liams story next!

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

*2.5* This is one of those stories that I picked up and put down way too many times. Clunky writing made it difficult to get into.

Magic doors
Contracts/paid for sex
Coffee shop
Shifters
Witches
Gay/mm romance

The past few sessions with this client have become steadily more intense, and Damien can’t pinpoint why exactly. Perhaps it has something to do with Damien’s own hesitance to stop seeing this client, even though he’s stopped seeing the others.

Missing character growth, lack of relationship development, and disappointing intimacy. Who were these characters?

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable story

This is the full story which begins in the open door, and features Damien and Ty. It is helpful to have read the initial story as it gives the background to the other characters and the set up of the place they find themselves in.
The story is fun, and I was kept entertained as the two tried to explore love and relationships in a strange setting. I was glad it all worked out as it could have gone horribly wrong

[Arllau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, the first in new series. Although magic and shifters are part of this story, its just in the background. This story is about the ups and downs of the main characters Damien and Ty's new romance.. I think the best part of the story is the fact that the secondary characters are not forgotten. They're all there and I am looking forward to learning more about them in future stories.
I received this last fall as part of a free promotion

[Tawnya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a little while to get into the book, but enjoyed the read for the most part. Some of the storyline was predictable and some a little under developed and felt like the author spent time talking about inconsequential items that didn’t move the story along. I wanted more of Ty and Damien’s time together to understand why they should be together besides having great sex. Why were they mates other then this supposed possessive feelings they have for one another.

[Denise GremoryKohta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am hooked!

This world is so fascinating and we have only just gotten a taste of it. I can’t wait to see how this series develops. I want to know more about Liam, Sebastian, Melanie, Jake, Kaz, and Eli as well as the community. The way this is written makes it even better. With little bits snd clues throughout that have your mind working. That made it even more fun snd enjoyable to read.

[Al · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a 3-4 star on this one. I liked that it was written in 3rd person present tense, and that there were perspectives from multiple characters. On the other hand, it just felt like a list of we did this, then this, then this. I felt disconnected from it. I wanted to like it. The problems of the MCs felt real to me ... and then the ending ruined that, too. I don't know; I kinda do - kinda don't want to read the next one.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by KP Maxwell; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maelstrom_xo]

DNF @ 41%.

The writing is clumsy and painfully, unbelievably juvenile, not to mention incredibly repetitive. It read like an amateur Wattpad fanfic written by a teenager. The premise had promise but the characters were cardboard cutouts. I couldn't connect to them or engage with them, nor was I interested in the trajectory of their story arcs.

[Irish · Rating 1 out of 5]

I dnf'd this at about 25%. I like the way the author writes and I was kinda intrigued. But I feel like the romantic aspect of this was kind of an after thought. Plus I lost count how many times the term "problem client" was said in the few pages I did read. The intrigue just wasn't there for me unfortunately.