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.