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Against the Grain #2
Against the Grain: A Human's Guide to Wooing an Asexual Incubi
The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem...
Ellian has a problem, and its name is Felix Masters. When Ellie, a high society succubus, joins Against the Grain, he has a foolproof plan: attend the support group for supernatural misfits, discover the secret to correcting his… abnormality, and then return to the Incubi compound to join his incubus betrothed. It is a good plan—it is the only plan. Because failure is not an option, not this time. For once in Ellie’s controlled, suffocated existence, he will bring honor to his family name, regardless of the personal cost. That is, as long as a sweet, sweaty human does not mess up his carefully laid plans.
Felix Masters has a problem, and its name is Ellian. Felix never meant to stumble into a therapy group for magical oddballs, but when a beautiful periwinkle boy with sad eyes defends him against a feral vampire, Felix’s world changes forever. Magic, glamour, and succubus tails are only the beginning, and the more he learns about Ellie and his mystical, albeit unjust life, the harder it is for him to fight the Incubi’s magnetic pull. Felix has always had a weakness for a pretty face, after all—and periwinkle happens to be his favorite color.
An asexual succubus trapped by fate and expectation. An insecure human desperate to set him free. Join Felix and Ellie as they—with a little bit of magic and a lot of luck—find acceptance, courage, and unconditional love in the one place they never expected: each other.
Against the Grain is a shared world trilogy full of awkward characters, hilarious meet-cutes, and hard-fought happily ever afters. Each book in this urban fantasy rom-com can be read as a standalone.
Possible triggering material includes: Supernatural culture “norms” that border on child abuse (past), emotional abuse, and dubious consent (non-graphic/off-page). One character struggles with a form of gender dysphoria and self-harm manifesting in a type of eating disorder. Side note: mpreg exists in this magical race/universe, but it is not featured on page or experienced by the main characters.
Ellian has a problem, and its name is Felix Masters. When Ellie, a high society succubus, joins Against the Grain, he has a foolproof plan: attend the support group for supernatural misfits, discover the secret to correcting his… abnormality, and then return to the Incubi compound to join his incubus betrothed. It is a good plan—it is the only plan. Because failure is not an option, not this time. For once in Ellie’s controlled, suffocated existence, he will bring honor to his family name, regardless of the personal cost. That is, as long as a sweet, sweaty human does not mess up his carefully laid plans.
Felix Masters has a problem, and its name is Ellian. Felix never meant to stumble into a therapy group for magical oddballs, but when a beautiful periwinkle boy with sad eyes defends him against a feral vampire, Felix’s world changes forever. Magic, glamour, and succubus tails are only the beginning, and the more he learns about Ellie and his mystical, albeit unjust life, the harder it is for him to fight the Incubi’s magnetic pull. Felix has always had a weakness for a pretty face, after all—and periwinkle happens to be his favorite color.
An asexual succubus trapped by fate and expectation. An insecure human desperate to set him free. Join Felix and Ellie as they—with a little bit of magic and a lot of luck—find acceptance, courage, and unconditional love in the one place they never expected: each other.
Against the Grain is a shared world trilogy full of awkward characters, hilarious meet-cutes, and hard-fought happily ever afters. Each book in this urban fantasy rom-com can be read as a standalone.
Possible triggering material includes: Supernatural culture “norms” that border on child abuse (past), emotional abuse, and dubious consent (non-graphic/off-page). One character struggles with a form of gender dysphoria and self-harm manifesting in a type of eating disorder. Side note: mpreg exists in this magical race/universe, but it is not featured on page or experienced by the main characters.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2021
36 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Nik Knight
30 books595 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 69 reviews
December 8, 2021
*Applause* What a marvelous read! And what a glorious start, full of energy, fun. Every page was awesomeness and made me cry, smile, snort or spray drinks over my iPad.
There are not many books that do this for me, what I said: awesomeness!
As an Incubi Ellie/Ellian is irresistible, humans are drawn to him, Incubi are fueled by a combination of sexual energy and physical food, he can’t help it. Ellie got a few months to be free and then he’ll have to give himself to his Matched.
“I was not an acceptable Incubi. I was a failure of a succubus.”
On one of his meetings at the Against the Grain, the supernatural therapy support group for creatures who don’t fit, a human crashes through the door into the session.
After Felix crashes into his therapy group, for queer people with anxiety, it’s with a lot of noise. He introduces himself and at some point, the chaos is complete, just like Felix’s panic attack.
Ellian and Felix are quite different, physically and mentally, they just go in opposite directions.
Ellian tries to perform like a human, offering a smile maybe to comfort the human?
“Humans might have been inappropriate and touchy and too smiley, but they were entertaining creatures.”
Felix has a different view of himself than Ellie sees him, Felix sees himself as chubby, with freckles and anxiety, Ellie sees something else.
They talk and talk, and Felix understands Ellian is asexual but required by law to reproduce. It seems like a burden to Ellian. He wants to learn more and more about Ellian and what parts are exactly Ellian or which are Incubi.
Kelar is Ellian’s Matched, and Ellian tries to avoid him as much as possible. It’s his maman’s choice, not his. He’s quite distressed by her demands but he’s dutiful.
Kelar’s incubus sexual strength is overwhelmingly strong and irresistible.
Sweet darling Ellian is stuck with a mate, he’s struggling with his future and is indoctrinated by his Maman.
Felix is the most precious partner to sexually explore with.
Only, time is ticking.
I got goosebumps reading, especially when they got intimate, intimate in a very special way, I LOVED it.
It was all amazingly written. So very tender, considerate, gosh I was floating while reading!
They learned together what pleasure they can get from being together.
The author has an immensely passionate way of writing, full of snark and humor, full of adorableness, full of warm fluffy vibes.
The story was one mesmerizing lyrical poem, sky-high intense. The author created engaging characters, intriguing environments, and a beautiful, heartwarming, emotional romance. It was all so precious.
Be still my heart!
This is a winner! Highly recommended.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
There are not many books that do this for me, what I said: awesomeness!
As an Incubi Ellie/Ellian is irresistible, humans are drawn to him, Incubi are fueled by a combination of sexual energy and physical food, he can’t help it. Ellie got a few months to be free and then he’ll have to give himself to his Matched.
“I was not an acceptable Incubi. I was a failure of a succubus.”
On one of his meetings at the Against the Grain, the supernatural therapy support group for creatures who don’t fit, a human crashes through the door into the session.
After Felix crashes into his therapy group, for queer people with anxiety, it’s with a lot of noise. He introduces himself and at some point, the chaos is complete, just like Felix’s panic attack.
Ellian and Felix are quite different, physically and mentally, they just go in opposite directions.
Ellian tries to perform like a human, offering a smile maybe to comfort the human?
“Humans might have been inappropriate and touchy and too smiley, but they were entertaining creatures.”
Felix has a different view of himself than Ellie sees him, Felix sees himself as chubby, with freckles and anxiety, Ellie sees something else.
They talk and talk, and Felix understands Ellian is asexual but required by law to reproduce. It seems like a burden to Ellian. He wants to learn more and more about Ellian and what parts are exactly Ellian or which are Incubi.
Kelar is Ellian’s Matched, and Ellian tries to avoid him as much as possible. It’s his maman’s choice, not his. He’s quite distressed by her demands but he’s dutiful.
Kelar’s incubus sexual strength is overwhelmingly strong and irresistible.
Sweet darling Ellian is stuck with a mate, he’s struggling with his future and is indoctrinated by his Maman.
Felix is the most precious partner to sexually explore with.
Only, time is ticking.
I got goosebumps reading, especially when they got intimate, intimate in a very special way, I LOVED it.
It was all amazingly written. So very tender, considerate, gosh I was floating while reading!
They learned together what pleasure they can get from being together.
The author has an immensely passionate way of writing, full of snark and humor, full of adorableness, full of warm fluffy vibes.
The story was one mesmerizing lyrical poem, sky-high intense. The author created engaging characters, intriguing environments, and a beautiful, heartwarming, emotional romance. It was all so precious.
Be still my heart!
This is a winner! Highly recommended.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
August 19, 2025
Okay so from the blurb and cover I expected this to be light, fluffy, maybe even silly (in a good way) and while it had moments of all those things it was soooo much deeper than that. It dealt with gender dysphoria on such a deep level which was unexpected but in my opinion was done very well (however, I am a cis woman so my opinion does not matter here and take all of that with a whole mountain of salt). Still Knight’s writing was so powerful and thought provoking that I truly felt like I was on Ellie’s journey with him. The enjoyed the way the ace rep was done as well, since it seems most books that deal with ace rep go straight to the sex-averse side of asexuality, while it was treated differently here without ever making it seem like there was one way to be asexual.
And I think that kind of gets to the crux of this novel, and it was one about accepting who you are, no matter what box you were born in or which box is the one you actually fit comfortably in. Felix and Elian were the perfect characters to go through this story with. They were cute, charming, insecure (the fact I haven’t already mentioned that Felix is a plus sized MC is a crime because I adored that), and just all around lovely characters. I laughed, I cried, and just fell for this beautiful story.
Complete side note: Amazon has this at 90 pages right now but something is seriously wrong with their page count algorithm. The paperback page count is much more reflective of the actual length, so don’t go into this thinking you’re reading a novella.
And I think that kind of gets to the crux of this novel, and it was one about accepting who you are, no matter what box you were born in or which box is the one you actually fit comfortably in. Felix and Elian were the perfect characters to go through this story with. They were cute, charming, insecure (the fact I haven’t already mentioned that Felix is a plus sized MC is a crime because I adored that), and just all around lovely characters. I laughed, I cried, and just fell for this beautiful story.
Complete side note: Amazon has this at 90 pages right now but something is seriously wrong with their page count algorithm. The paperback page count is much more reflective of the actual length, so don’t go into this thinking you’re reading a novella.
July 28, 2021
Me to the author of this book: 
I will update my review soon, this book made me an absolute mess. I'm a little bit of a crybaby when it comes to books and this book absolutely ripped me apart. But I still really enjoyed reading the book and this book provided all of the comfort I needed after the angst it put me through.
I will update my review soon, this book made me an absolute mess. I'm a little bit of a crybaby when it comes to books and this book absolutely ripped me apart. But I still really enjoyed reading the book and this book provided all of the comfort I needed after the angst it put me through.
July 15, 2021
Disclaimer 1: If you are new to Nikole Knight books, read the trigger warnings and take them seriously.
Disclaimer 2: The world building explains the use of the incubus and succubus terms/using the word succubus to describe a seemingly male character. You just have to wait for it.
Disclaimer 3: This is a completely standalone novel and you do not need to read the other novels in the universe if you don't want to, although you may want to. One book has an MMF pairing and the other an MF pairing. You will get to know those characters in this book, but it's not intrusive.
I haven't read many books with trans characters in them, and I don't know a lot about gender dysphoria, but that's not specifically what this book is about although I would say that there are definite features of both of those things in this book.
As a cis het woman I don't want to say much about the believability of one of the character's journeys with gender dysphoria. I've never experienced that myself and I think it would be ignorant to pretend that I understand what the character was going through, but I thought it was realistic and I believed it and I believed in the emotion of how the journey was portrayed. I feel that I understand more than I did before I started the book, and that's a good thing.
I don't want to give too much away about the plot because I think that this is a really difficult topic to tackle, and I thought that the approach was very interesting and unique, and I also think that the reader should be allowed to find out about it for themselves. I will say that I thought this was a good book. It wasn't hot and steamy, but rather emotional and sweetly loving. One of the characters identifies as ace, and there is some on-page steam, but it is low steam and may not be what you are particularly looking for when it comes to romance novels.
I think the people who will like this book will be people who are looking for emotional connection more than other types of connections between characters, or people who enjoy hurt/comfort as that is something this author does well, or people who are wanting to try to understand asexuality or gender dysphoria a little bit better. In addition to all of that, this is just a really good and interesting story with excellent world building. I have been a fan of this author since she first published her Fire and Brimstone Scroll series, and she continues to impress me. If you ever look at my reviews, you'll know that's not an easy thing to do!
Disclaimer 2: The world building explains the use of the incubus and succubus terms/using the word succubus to describe a seemingly male character. You just have to wait for it.
Disclaimer 3: This is a completely standalone novel and you do not need to read the other novels in the universe if you don't want to, although you may want to. One book has an MMF pairing and the other an MF pairing. You will get to know those characters in this book, but it's not intrusive.
I haven't read many books with trans characters in them, and I don't know a lot about gender dysphoria, but that's not specifically what this book is about although I would say that there are definite features of both of those things in this book.
As a cis het woman I don't want to say much about the believability of one of the character's journeys with gender dysphoria. I've never experienced that myself and I think it would be ignorant to pretend that I understand what the character was going through, but I thought it was realistic and I believed it and I believed in the emotion of how the journey was portrayed. I feel that I understand more than I did before I started the book, and that's a good thing.
I don't want to give too much away about the plot because I think that this is a really difficult topic to tackle, and I thought that the approach was very interesting and unique, and I also think that the reader should be allowed to find out about it for themselves. I will say that I thought this was a good book. It wasn't hot and steamy, but rather emotional and sweetly loving. One of the characters identifies as ace, and there is some on-page steam, but it is low steam and may not be what you are particularly looking for when it comes to romance novels.
I think the people who will like this book will be people who are looking for emotional connection more than other types of connections between characters, or people who enjoy hurt/comfort as that is something this author does well, or people who are wanting to try to understand asexuality or gender dysphoria a little bit better. In addition to all of that, this is just a really good and interesting story with excellent world building. I have been a fan of this author since she first published her Fire and Brimstone Scroll series, and she continues to impress me. If you ever look at my reviews, you'll know that's not an easy thing to do!
May 23, 2023
I was enjoying the book so much until the 50% mark. You see dub-con in the blurb and you think Incubi, ok, I know where this is going. And after that opening scene where Felix barges into the group and Ellie uses his ability, and you go whew. Nope. Not even close. Readers should be made aware BEFORE they're halfway into a book that the dub-con is actually family and culture sanctioned r*pe. Of a being that has already professed to not enjoy any touching and especially s*xual touch. As they're Ace. So calling it dub-con is a grave misnomer. And walking into that unprepared is wrenching to many readers who would prefer to not read about MCs sobbing in showers, desperate to clean themselves off after their fiancees use abilities on them to make them do something they hate and loathe and that was most decidedly against their will. I was so excited to read about an Ace character, being Demi myself and not seeing nearly enough representation. But I don't want to read about them being r*ped. That wasn't dub-con, which is just the soft terminology anyway. Ellie said no. More than once. He pushed his fiancee away. More than once. That was r*pe and it deserves to be called what it is. And it has no business in a romance book. R*PE IS NOT ROMANTIC!!! I don't know how many times I will have to say that but it feels like all too frequently these days. I read less horrific things in horror novels than I do in romances lately. I will absolutely be avoiding this author from now on and hopefully my warnings will help prevent others from the nightmares I will face until my next therapy session. Because some of us lived through situations like this and have no desire to relive it in writing. Weeks/months worth of nightmares because of a handful of sentences is a horrible trade off.
July 24, 2021
Felix and Ellie's romance was as unexpected as it was wonderful. I'll admit that I didn't quite know what to make of Felix when he stumbled into the support group Ellie attended, but the more I got to know him the more I fell in love with his quirky personality. If there was ever a person who could bring Ellie out of his shell, it was Felix, and I had a blast watching the two of them bond over cooking classes and self-portraits.
Though Felix's anxiety appeared in bits and pieces throughout this book, the heart of this story centered around Ellie's struggles with the expectations placed on him in Incubi society. It was truly heartbreaking to see him war with his sense of duty versus what made him happy, and I was firmly on Team "Make-Ellie-Happy" despite how much he wavered back and forth. Knowing how much was at stake for him, I was even more thrilled to see Ellie open up around Felix and trust him with intimacy he hadn't shared with anyone else. This book didn't need steamy sex and passionate bedroom flings to showcase the emotional connection these men shared when a sweet kiss and hand-holding session could melt my heart into a pile of mush. I loved experiencing every quiet, content moment between Felix and Ellie, and their silly banter never failed to make me smile. Best of all, Felix never asked for anything Ellie wasn't comfortable giving and regularly checked on his emotional state. Without even saying the words, I could feel the love these two had for each other, and that's what made me even more invested in seeing them find a way to be together. The journey certainly wasn't easy, and there were moments when I was afraid Ellie's sense of duty would overrule his heart, but in the end Felix and Ellie took the leap and chose a life of happiness, love, and togetherness.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Though Felix's anxiety appeared in bits and pieces throughout this book, the heart of this story centered around Ellie's struggles with the expectations placed on him in Incubi society. It was truly heartbreaking to see him war with his sense of duty versus what made him happy, and I was firmly on Team "Make-Ellie-Happy" despite how much he wavered back and forth. Knowing how much was at stake for him, I was even more thrilled to see Ellie open up around Felix and trust him with intimacy he hadn't shared with anyone else. This book didn't need steamy sex and passionate bedroom flings to showcase the emotional connection these men shared when a sweet kiss and hand-holding session could melt my heart into a pile of mush. I loved experiencing every quiet, content moment between Felix and Ellie, and their silly banter never failed to make me smile. Best of all, Felix never asked for anything Ellie wasn't comfortable giving and regularly checked on his emotional state. Without even saying the words, I could feel the love these two had for each other, and that's what made me even more invested in seeing them find a way to be together. The journey certainly wasn't easy, and there were moments when I was afraid Ellie's sense of duty would overrule his heart, but in the end Felix and Ellie took the leap and chose a life of happiness, love, and togetherness.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 23, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Collecting my thoughts on this book was a bit difficult, for all the best reasons. I have been finding it hard to clearly get my thoughts in order when it comes to books with asexual representation. This book was no different. For starters I loved our MCs. I loved both Ellie and Felix. Felix was adorably awkward. I loved how he felt like a fully fleshed out character from the beginning. I also loved how his anxiety was represented and how complex he felt. I also really liked Ellie. I really felt for him in his struggle with gender dysphoria and his asexuality.
Being a succubus who doesn’t like sex is complicated and confusing. One thing I really loved was how the worldbuilding was so well weaved with the plot. It didn’t feel clunky or like there was info dumping. I also loved how there was interesting discussions about gender, the differences between incubus and succubus were so well explained. I have not experienced gender dysphoria myself, but I am on the asexual spectrum and the discussion of his asexuality was incredible to read. I loved how Felix was there for Ellie the entire time, no matter what Ellie did or didn't want. It was incredible to see their relationship grow over time and how they had honest discussions about sex and what was okay and what wasn’t okay.
I think that overall, this book was incredible. It was discussed gender and asexuality in a way that didn’t feel like definitions but like Ellie was a complete person who had his own thoughts and feelings about sex and gender. I love how asexuality was discussed as a spectrum and how Felix was happy to explore things with Ellie the whole time.
I wholeheartedly adore this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in urban fantasy, discussions of gender, and asexual representation.
Collecting my thoughts on this book was a bit difficult, for all the best reasons. I have been finding it hard to clearly get my thoughts in order when it comes to books with asexual representation. This book was no different. For starters I loved our MCs. I loved both Ellie and Felix. Felix was adorably awkward. I loved how he felt like a fully fleshed out character from the beginning. I also loved how his anxiety was represented and how complex he felt. I also really liked Ellie. I really felt for him in his struggle with gender dysphoria and his asexuality.
Being a succubus who doesn’t like sex is complicated and confusing. One thing I really loved was how the worldbuilding was so well weaved with the plot. It didn’t feel clunky or like there was info dumping. I also loved how there was interesting discussions about gender, the differences between incubus and succubus were so well explained. I have not experienced gender dysphoria myself, but I am on the asexual spectrum and the discussion of his asexuality was incredible to read. I loved how Felix was there for Ellie the entire time, no matter what Ellie did or didn't want. It was incredible to see their relationship grow over time and how they had honest discussions about sex and what was okay and what wasn’t okay.
I think that overall, this book was incredible. It was discussed gender and asexuality in a way that didn’t feel like definitions but like Ellie was a complete person who had his own thoughts and feelings about sex and gender. I love how asexuality was discussed as a spectrum and how Felix was happy to explore things with Ellie the whole time.
I wholeheartedly adore this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in urban fantasy, discussions of gender, and asexual representation.
July 23, 2021
*4.5*
What a fantastic read! I was full of emotion for Ellian and what is expected of him as a sucubus from a prominent, wealthy family who has already been matched to another. He can't help his body's reaction as a sucubus but also cannot ignore his body's reaction to physical intimacy.
Felix is his perfect counterbalance from the moment he shoves his way into the cafe holding a supernatural support group, not the group he was actually looking for considering he had no knowledge of the supernatural world existing. He makes his mark straight away and there's no denying there is a draw between the two MC's. As they spend time together and learn about each other, Felix tries to make Ellie see that he can be true to himself and is so supportive but also outspoken so it's not always taken in the intended way by Ellie who is very literal in his speech. It's not one sided though as Ellie shows Felix that his body is nothing to be ashamed of and they both make each other feel beautiful, it's heartwarming to read.
These two make great friends and it's perfectly written as a slow burning relationship that grows from step to step, allowing things to go at their own pace, especially as Ellie learns and accepts parts of himself that are taboo in the Incubi world. There is a good deal of fun mixed in with the emotional scenes, Felix's snark and crossed wires make for some entertaining dialogue.
The love, care and support is wonderful between the two and even from Against The Grain support group that Felix crashed for supernatural beings who feel they don't fit in their world. Who ever heard of a mermaid afraid of deep water? If anything, I would have loved more interaction with them.
A highly recommended read of acceptance, friendship and love.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
What a fantastic read! I was full of emotion for Ellian and what is expected of him as a sucubus from a prominent, wealthy family who has already been matched to another. He can't help his body's reaction as a sucubus but also cannot ignore his body's reaction to physical intimacy.
Felix is his perfect counterbalance from the moment he shoves his way into the cafe holding a supernatural support group, not the group he was actually looking for considering he had no knowledge of the supernatural world existing. He makes his mark straight away and there's no denying there is a draw between the two MC's. As they spend time together and learn about each other, Felix tries to make Ellie see that he can be true to himself and is so supportive but also outspoken so it's not always taken in the intended way by Ellie who is very literal in his speech. It's not one sided though as Ellie shows Felix that his body is nothing to be ashamed of and they both make each other feel beautiful, it's heartwarming to read.
These two make great friends and it's perfectly written as a slow burning relationship that grows from step to step, allowing things to go at their own pace, especially as Ellie learns and accepts parts of himself that are taboo in the Incubi world. There is a good deal of fun mixed in with the emotional scenes, Felix's snark and crossed wires make for some entertaining dialogue.
The love, care and support is wonderful between the two and even from Against The Grain support group that Felix crashed for supernatural beings who feel they don't fit in their world. Who ever heard of a mermaid afraid of deep water? If anything, I would have loved more interaction with them.
A highly recommended read of acceptance, friendship and love.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 14, 2021
Ellie and Felix (an audio review)
The author had me at wooing an asexual incubi. Did I know what an incubi is? Uh, no. Did I know what a succubus is? Again, no. Am I much clearer now? Not really…but I did somewhat enjoy the ride.
I enjoyed the concept of a supernatural support group for, uh, things (because people’s not the right word, obviously) who don’t fit. I’m a misfit in many circles in my life so I could relate. Ellie has a problem – he’s expected to mate but he’s not wanting to. He’s being forced by his family, against his will, to mate. He meets Felix and discovers there are other ways of approaching life and that includes doing what he wants, not what his family is forcing upon him.
Felix. Dear bumbling Felix. The guy who lives above his uncle’s taxidermy store. The guy who can’t quite get it all together and discovers things about his past he didn’t know. He falls in love with Ellie easily because he’s just a loving guy and he’s determined to help Ellie find happiness, no matter what it takes. There are dark undertones in this story, but also a light-hearted approach.
Jason Chacon is a new narrator to me and I did enjoy his performance. His differentiation of the two voices was good so that helped. If another one of these books comes out on audio, I’ll likely pick it up if only to see what other maladapted creatures are out there.
The author had me at wooing an asexual incubi. Did I know what an incubi is? Uh, no. Did I know what a succubus is? Again, no. Am I much clearer now? Not really…but I did somewhat enjoy the ride.
I enjoyed the concept of a supernatural support group for, uh, things (because people’s not the right word, obviously) who don’t fit. I’m a misfit in many circles in my life so I could relate. Ellie has a problem – he’s expected to mate but he’s not wanting to. He’s being forced by his family, against his will, to mate. He meets Felix and discovers there are other ways of approaching life and that includes doing what he wants, not what his family is forcing upon him.
Felix. Dear bumbling Felix. The guy who lives above his uncle’s taxidermy store. The guy who can’t quite get it all together and discovers things about his past he didn’t know. He falls in love with Ellie easily because he’s just a loving guy and he’s determined to help Ellie find happiness, no matter what it takes. There are dark undertones in this story, but also a light-hearted approach.
Jason Chacon is a new narrator to me and I did enjoy his performance. His differentiation of the two voices was good so that helped. If another one of these books comes out on audio, I’ll likely pick it up if only to see what other maladapted creatures are out there.
August 16, 2021
This was a compelling story. It was recommended by a few people in a FB group as a fun, light read, but that's not the whole story. I wasn't expecting Against the Grain: A Human's Guide to Wooing an Asexual Incubi to get me all up in my feels, but that's exactly what happened. Felix and Ellie are both such endearing characters. Felix may have been out of his element when he crashed the support group for the "magical oddballs", but that didn't stop him from doing his best to get Ellie to see he was so much more than his family's expectations.
I really enjoyed this story, much more than I anticipated. I went into looking for an easy read and came away with a huge appreciation for the characters and the world building. I don't read a lot of urban fantasy, but this book might be just the push I need to read more!
A Human's Guide to Wooing an Asexual Incubi is part of the Against the Grain series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
I really enjoyed this story, much more than I anticipated. I went into looking for an easy read and came away with a huge appreciation for the characters and the world building. I don't read a lot of urban fantasy, but this book might be just the push I need to read more!
A Human's Guide to Wooing an Asexual Incubi is part of the Against the Grain series, but can definitely be read as a standalone.
December 9, 2021
While I appreciate that this series is supposed to be light and funny and ultimately about self acceptance despite the central themes of conversion therapy and internalised a-phobia, I think it was deeply misguided in its choices about the way it portrays Asexuality.
Comparing sex to food is a fraught metaphor in Asexuality because while the desire to eat and the attraction can seem similar the facsimile can become incredibly harmful when we are told sex is an essential form of sustenance that we will or should die without.
Justifying corrective rape as force feeding a starving person made me feel physically ill. That every other character around him compliments him on looking healthy and well afterwards? That only one of them even begins to acknowledge it is rape and deeply traumatic?
I object not because I want to pretend corrective rape doesn’t occur to asexual people but exactly because it does - often. And most of the justifications are as misguided and harmful as this one. We are not starving and we do not need to be cured.
So yes, this has a happy ending and he finds a way to be an asexual incubi but no, I cannot forgive how it gets there.
Comparing sex to food is a fraught metaphor in Asexuality because while the desire to eat and the attraction can seem similar the facsimile can become incredibly harmful when we are told sex is an essential form of sustenance that we will or should die without.
Justifying corrective rape as force feeding a starving person made me feel physically ill. That every other character around him compliments him on looking healthy and well afterwards? That only one of them even begins to acknowledge it is rape and deeply traumatic?
I object not because I want to pretend corrective rape doesn’t occur to asexual people but exactly because it does - often. And most of the justifications are as misguided and harmful as this one. We are not starving and we do not need to be cured.
So yes, this has a happy ending and he finds a way to be an asexual incubi but no, I cannot forgive how it gets there.
July 29, 2025
2.5 stars
I’m still super on the fence after reading this book. I loved Felix and his fierce protectiveness of Ellie and Ellie’s autonomy. Their relationship was messy and full of cultural blunders, but it made it more real. I was deeply uncomfortable with the aftermath of the SA and how it was framed as a cultural and biological dubcon meeting a need. There was a need, but everything about it was deeply traumatic to Ellie. Honestly, I probably would have rated the book 5 stars without it all or if it was dealt with differently by the author.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: SA, emotional abuse, child abuse (past), acephobia, transphobia, mention of homophobia, gender dysphoria, eating disorder, fatphobia, discussion of traumatic parent deaths, discussion of death during childbirth, coercion to have children, semi-public sex, speciesism, panic attacks, threatened memory tampering,
I’m still super on the fence after reading this book. I loved Felix and his fierce protectiveness of Ellie and Ellie’s autonomy. Their relationship was messy and full of cultural blunders, but it made it more real. I was deeply uncomfortable with the aftermath of the SA and how it was framed as a cultural and biological dubcon meeting a need. There was a need, but everything about it was deeply traumatic to Ellie. Honestly, I probably would have rated the book 5 stars without it all or if it was dealt with differently by the author.
Spice: 2/5
Triggers: SA, emotional abuse, child abuse (past), acephobia, transphobia, mention of homophobia, gender dysphoria, eating disorder, fatphobia, discussion of traumatic parent deaths, discussion of death during childbirth, coercion to have children, semi-public sex, speciesism, panic attacks, threatened memory tampering,
July 20, 2021
What a beautiful story. I absolutely loved it. It's part of a multi author series but can be read as a standalone.
Felix and Ellie are gorgeous and fully formed. They have grown up so differently but they can each see something beautiful and special in the other.
I especially loved Felix's unwavering belief in and acceptance of Ellie as he grows to accepting himself.
Beautiful, delightfully funny prose with memorable, genuine characters. It has so much heart, and the themes it cover make it feel so important.
Definitely going on the reread pile.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
Felix and Ellie are gorgeous and fully formed. They have grown up so differently but they can each see something beautiful and special in the other.
I especially loved Felix's unwavering belief in and acceptance of Ellie as he grows to accepting himself.
Beautiful, delightfully funny prose with memorable, genuine characters. It has so much heart, and the themes it cover make it feel so important.
Definitely going on the reread pile.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and I have chosen to leave an honest review.
July 23, 2021
Felix and Ellie are pure magic together, in the messiest, realest, most awkward and yet beautiful possible way. I liked them, separately and together, and I liked how they both enabled each other to be the truest versions of themselves: Ellie likes Felix’s body the way it is and appreciates his art. Felix respect’s Ellie’s asexuality and supports his right to feel, be, and do what he wants, rather than what his Incubi heritage would seem to demand. It’s impossible not to feel for Ellie-- his culture is brutal and trying to fit himself into the mold he’s being bludgeoned into is, for him, a fate worse than death. Watching him slowly embrace the possibility of something more is really rewarding. Plus, his prickly vanity overlaps beautifully with Felix’s awkward snark, and you have to love any romance where “jellyfish” becomes a meaningful endearment. They’re a great couple, and the premise of the series, a supernatural support group for beings who just don’t fit in, is awesome as well. I'm looking forward to more stories in this world.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 27, 2021
Ellie and Felix
Ellian is an incubus and expected to take his place in incubi society with his maate. Trouble is he doesn't like to be touched. And he is expected to produce babies as soon aa he and his Matched get settled.
Ellie goes to a paranormal support group where he meets Felix, a human.
Felix lives about his umcles taxidermy business. He mistakenly stumbles into the paranomal support group where he meets Ellie.
I loved this story. Ellie was sweet and he was in an impossible position as an incubi who doesn't like touch yet he feeds on sexual energy.
Felix totally understood Ellie and supported him. Felix has his own issues with self confidence and body image.
Great story. Great world building. Loved the characters
Ellian is an incubus and expected to take his place in incubi society with his maate. Trouble is he doesn't like to be touched. And he is expected to produce babies as soon aa he and his Matched get settled.
Ellie goes to a paranormal support group where he meets Felix, a human.
Felix lives about his umcles taxidermy business. He mistakenly stumbles into the paranomal support group where he meets Ellie.
I loved this story. Ellie was sweet and he was in an impossible position as an incubi who doesn't like touch yet he feeds on sexual energy.
Felix totally understood Ellie and supported him. Felix has his own issues with self confidence and body image.
Great story. Great world building. Loved the characters
July 20, 2021
I simply loved this book! The message of unconditional love and acceptance was so uplifting, it was beautiful that Ellie and Felix were able to find that in each other. It is sad that the Incubi are so judgmental and intolerant of those who are different, it reminded me a little of racism in the LGBTQ community-you would think that those that are already different would be more accepting. There was also a class element there too, if Ellie rejects his Matched, he is rejecting his family’s whole value system. I thought that whole aspect was done really well. Going to look for other books in the series!
July 26, 2021
Nikole Knight’s first book in the “Against the Grain” series is a fun read with a little angst. I can promise you a one of a kind “Meet-Cute” for our couple, Ellie-the succubus and Felix-the human. Ellie is stuck in an arranged relationship that he feels obligated to continue with. Felix, who is dealing with his own perceived inadequacies, drops into his life to stir things up thru a support group for paranormals. Both characters are learning together to accept who they are when they feel like the whole world is telling them that they are broken or something is wrong with them. I will comment that there may be triggers for “coerced physical relations” in this book, but all in all a good start to a series I look forward to reading more of.
July 27, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! This is my first book by this author. But she is now on my tbr list. This was a slow-burn romance but it was necessary. There was a lot of angst to get to their HEA but it was worth it. I will say first BEWARE the trigger warnings in the description. Take them seriously. They are accurate. It was nice to read about an asexual in a PNR fantasy MM book. This book has done an amazing job with world-building. Ellian and Felix were adorable together. Felix is a human and Ellian is a Succubus and they have to navigate through the issues that come with it. I do know that this is a series but it is not necessary to read the others. They can all be read individually. I definitely recommend this book.
July 27, 2021
This was the sweetest book about the cutest couple of characters. It is full of angst, trauma, hurt, grief, understanding, weirdness, stuffed dead animals, a friendly tail, therapy groups, coffee shops, unconditional love, paintings, periwinkle skin, beautiful horns, evil parents, unexpected pleasure, new friends, old family, too much money, travelling by train, and so much more.
I'm not sure that I can really do this book justice other than to say you should read it because it's really good, but it is long and it is a slow burn type of book. xx
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Review and provide my honest review voluntarily
I'm not sure that I can really do this book justice other than to say you should read it because it's really good, but it is long and it is a slow burn type of book. xx
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Review and provide my honest review voluntarily
July 29, 2021
I had so much fun reading this story! The characters had me very curious from the moment I started and I couldn’t get enough of them. They were so awkward at times and adorable and I just loved it so much! This was a different take on succubi and incubi that added an entirely different element to the story which I loved! Definitely read the disclaimer and make sure you want to read this and if you do the story is amazing! Going to find other books this author has written since I loved this one so much!
July 18, 2021
I love Ellie and Fleix's slow burn romance.
They were sweet together and I liked how the characters were portrayed.
The secondary characters were likeable as well and I found this to be a very relatable and real journey
The sensitive themes in this book were well handled and I enjoyed reading this one.
I'm not sure about the other books in this series, but I enjoyed this one as a standalone
They were sweet together and I liked how the characters were portrayed.
The secondary characters were likeable as well and I found this to be a very relatable and real journey
The sensitive themes in this book were well handled and I enjoyed reading this one.
I'm not sure about the other books in this series, but I enjoyed this one as a standalone
July 26, 2021
This was a cute story. I loved that the usually sexually incubi is asexual. It brings on a whole new narrative. The way the incubi culture lived was fascinating to read. With their weird rules we understood Ellie, our male succubus better. We got to empathize with him and his views. The way he was brought up was heartbreaking. Felix, our anxious human was great for Ellie. He showed Ellie that he was perfect and didn't need to change for anyone. Watching them go from therapy buddies, to real friends to lovers was so sweet.
I recommend this book if you want to read a different take on incubus & succubus.
I recommend this book if you want to read a different take on incubus & succubus.
July 27, 2021
I LOVED Ellie and Felix!! Ellian is a succubus who is trying to please his family, but in turn that’s killing him. Felix is human and a total sweetheart!! They have instant chemistry but hey have to fight heard to be together. Loved the unconditional support that Felix gave to Ellie!! This was such a fun, fantastic read!! It was really well written, highly recommend!! I’m voluntarily leaving a review form an advanced copy that I received. My reviews are solely based on my thoughts and opinions.
July 28, 2021
Take a chance with this one
This book was a surprise for me. I pegged it as a feel good comedic relief but it turned out to have much more depth to it than I thought. Ellie and Felix are very complex characters and the other does a wonderful job integrating the human and supernatural while making it seem possible. And to make it even better, the book had a few scenes that were spicy and unexpected. Loved it.
This book was a surprise for me. I pegged it as a feel good comedic relief but it turned out to have much more depth to it than I thought. Ellie and Felix are very complex characters and the other does a wonderful job integrating the human and supernatural while making it seem possible. And to make it even better, the book had a few scenes that were spicy and unexpected. Loved it.
July 7, 2021
This book was different in so many good ways. Here we have a support group for supernaturals who don't fit into the mold they are supposed to fit in. The name of the group is Against the Grain. Felix is a human who accidentally stumbles into the wrong support group and is dumped into the deep end of knowledge about a whole world that exists inside his own. Ellie is an incubus who doesn't enjoy the act of sex, which is a bit inconvenient when that is how you are supposed to feed. He is supposed to be at the group in order to have his "perversion" fixed so he can join the pod of his Matched and start fulfilling his purpose as a male succubus and have lots of little incubus babies. The character of Ellie broke my heart in so many ways. He honestly reminded me of a Trans person who is constantly and deliberately misgendered and their own feelings and wishes were ignored and deemed useless and perverse. If you have any triggers in that regard you may need to be careful reading this book. Minor spoiler: Ellie is also at one point forced into a dubious consent situation in order to make him feed. He has the expected reaction of self hatred and guilt afterwards. Felix accepts him as he is and it takes Ellie time to raise that it really is okto be who you are and there is nothing wrong with the way he was born and how he feels. I truly did enjoy this book and was very happy to see these two characters bloom together and get their HEA. Poor Ellie definitely deserves it!
July 13, 2021
"Some people just don't like lima beans, you know?" he said. "It doesn't make them broken; it's just how they are. Why do you act like you need to be fixed?"
I haven't been leaving 5 star reviews very often lately. But I loved this! It was so unique and well-written, and it had such a positive message. I loved that the characters weren't your typical MCs. Felix is overweight, wears glasses, is often described as a sweaty human, and suffers from anxiety. Ellie is a succubus who is ace and touch-averse.
I loved that ace had representation here. As someone who is ace, it was wonderful to read a book where Ellie was told time and time again by the people who cared about him (Felix, the other members in the support group), that he wasn't broken, that there was nothing wrong with him, and he is exactly who he is supposed to be.
I definitely recommend this wonderful story!
I haven't been leaving 5 star reviews very often lately. But I loved this! It was so unique and well-written, and it had such a positive message. I loved that the characters weren't your typical MCs. Felix is overweight, wears glasses, is often described as a sweaty human, and suffers from anxiety. Ellie is a succubus who is ace and touch-averse.
I loved that ace had representation here. As someone who is ace, it was wonderful to read a book where Ellie was told time and time again by the people who cared about him (Felix, the other members in the support group), that he wasn't broken, that there was nothing wrong with him, and he is exactly who he is supposed to be.
I definitely recommend this wonderful story!
July 23, 2021
I know with every Nikole Knight book I'm going to get sweetness, heart and so much love but I never know what path she's taking us on and I LOVE that!
Ellie is a spoiled, sheltered succubus who is literally killing himself to please his family. Felix is a slightly overweight, sweet human who can't see how amazing he is. When they fall into each other's lives, the chemistry is instantaneous but they have to battle hard for their HEA.
I LOVED this book - absolutely loved it. I loved how Felix was able to peel away Ellie's many layers and how Ellie learned to fully embrace who he is. I loved the supporting characters (except Ellie's mom- she's the worst), the humor and the heartfelt love in this book. Read this- you won't be disappointed you did!
(I did not read the first book in this series and had no problems following this book and treating it like a standalone.)
Ellie is a spoiled, sheltered succubus who is literally killing himself to please his family. Felix is a slightly overweight, sweet human who can't see how amazing he is. When they fall into each other's lives, the chemistry is instantaneous but they have to battle hard for their HEA.
I LOVED this book - absolutely loved it. I loved how Felix was able to peel away Ellie's many layers and how Ellie learned to fully embrace who he is. I loved the supporting characters (except Ellie's mom- she's the worst), the humor and the heartfelt love in this book. Read this- you won't be disappointed you did!
(I did not read the first book in this series and had no problems following this book and treating it like a standalone.)
July 26, 2021
Such a fun read!
This may have been a fun read but it also had many interesting layers of depth. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but I felt this book really stood on its own. Both MCs had a lot of personal growth and I felt pride while reading their transformation. There were both laugh out loud moments and angsty moments that really worked with the storytelling instead of against it. Highly recommend this read! I will def be picking up the others in the series
This may have been a fun read but it also had many interesting layers of depth. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but I felt this book really stood on its own. Both MCs had a lot of personal growth and I felt pride while reading their transformation. There were both laugh out loud moments and angsty moments that really worked with the storytelling instead of against it. Highly recommend this read! I will def be picking up the others in the series
July 28, 2021
I enjoyed a lot this book. An hilarious captivating plot, endearing characters and an original love story. Felix and Ellie complemented each other perfectly. Throughout the book, I laughed a lot, cried a little bit and sighed so much, with Ellie's antics, Felix sweetness and acceptance and how they gained strength by each other. Refreshing and unique, this is definitely an amazing guide for love and happiness.
July 27, 2021
We should all be as luck as Felix to stumble into a support group and find someone like Ellie. These two were made to be together and Felix is the perfect guy to get Ellie to see that other's expectations don't have to define who you are and can become. There are some serious issues of societal and family pressures dealt with in this story, but they are handled beautifully. It's the inner, emotional battles that will grab your heart in this one.
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