Enchanted by Envy: Passing Through Cafe #4

I have been eagerly waiting for Bryce and Zef to get their book! Immediately, I just kinda fell in love with Zef and all their mug rules and their big, kind heart. This was also such a funny book! I laughed so much (Mr. Cow, that's all I'll say). Much like the rest of the books, anytime Gem and/or Tad is involved, there are shenanigans. Bryce is moving to Purgatory to room with Zef while he completes a work training program. Zef, who is Aro/ace and touch-averse, is a bit nervous but excited to have a roommate after the disasters with Dennis, their last roommate (who also happened to think they were in a relationship.) Bryce and Zef grow closer, and eventually Bryce realizes he has feelings for Zef. But what if Zef doesn't want more than friendship? (Spoiler: they dooooo!) If you have read the other books in the Passing Through series, you know how it really centers around found family, and I am glad that continues in this book. Getting to see Tad, Gemma, Toni, and the whole gang show up for Zef and always be there to make sure they aren't being hurt warmed my heart so much. They have all formed such a good bond, and I loved the bits we get of the group all together having meals or moving Bryce in. ( side note, I am obsessed with Tad. Scared, but OBSESSED) I really appreciated all the acts of love in this book. Zef has no interest in a sexual relationship, but they grow to really love Bryce and, over time, even become physically affectionate. Cuddling and kissing and…

I'm not the biggest fan of Ace books. I think authors often do Ace characters dirty. Like, they unknowingly push the view that all Ace folks need is a good roll in the hay and suddenly they're spicey creatures. So, even though Nik Knight is my happy place, I was still quite nervous about this book. Especially since I already know and love Zef. All of the previous Passing Through books were nice and smutty... Niks other Ace book was a bit smutty as well but it did feel like they kept on the spectrum at least. So, I was worried that they would feel the need to keep the smut thread going but also hopeful that they wouldn't feel like it was necessary because the fans didn't need it. I will never doubt Nik Knight again. The love between Zef and Bryce was believable, deep and still filled little heart with warm fuzzies. Without making Zef a trollop (heh). And Tad is so lovely. The banter was still hysterical too. I love these books so much and if I could I'd give the author a big hug and tell them how much I love their brain. Go read it. Read them all. You won't regret it.

CW (also in the front of the book): demons with non-human anatomy & vastly different cultures; reference to someone being called a trans slur (in the past); main character is from a non-gendered species; many mentions of collecting teeth. The Plot: Zef has decided to allow Bryce, a human from Oliver's hometown, to room with them while Bryce does his study abroad program to learn about Hellian anatomy. Zef is prepared to be a bit antsy having another roommate after the disaster of the previous one but instead finds Bryce to be a respectful and thoughtful roommate (even if he leaves half empty water cups everywhere!). Bryce on the other hand is dealing with a bit of culture shock, a bit of homesickness and *a lot* of feelings for Zef. Bryce thinks Zef might also be interested in him but is worried to tank their friendship if that's not the case. Can Zef & Bryce have the romantic relationship they both desire or are their homes and cultures just too different? My Feelings: "Enchanted by Envy" is a beautiful and respectful look into relationships with asexual people. While the dynamics are not quite the same (given Zef is from a different species that doesn't directly translate to human asexuality) as human ones, it is so nice to have a series that features a diverse array of sexualities and genders. Plus, how respectful Bryce is of different cultures is truly a balm to my soul given the raging white supremacy that's happening right now. That being said, my favourite parts…

Zef, our beloved asexual Mantodea, isn't necessary looking for love. They're not exactly sure what that would look like and they know they aren't exactly...easy. Simple. But if someone did see them? It would be magical. Bryce, Zef's new roommate, isn't looking for love in the Pentagram. He's only there for a year doing an internship and his home is in the States - but Zef? Zef is extraordinary and their relationship may be the most unexpected, perfect, amazing thing he's ever wanted. Every time I think this series can't get better, it does. Nik has such an amazing talent for creating the best complex characters that you can't help but adore. The Passing Through family is a joy to read about - I laughed and cried at this book and I cannot wait to see what's next in the series.

All of the books in the Passing Through Cafe series are excellent but this one, to me, is hands down the best of the series so far. The relationship between Zef and Bryce develops so sweetly and naturally. The care, understanding and acceptance of each other’s differences soothed my soul. There’s something special when an author is able to create a character who speaks to you. Thank you Nik for creating Zef and making me feel seen.