Title: Dealing with a Desperate Demon
Author: Charlotte Stein
Rating: ★★★ 1/2

Dealing with a Desperate Demon is a charming, slightly chaotic blend of sweet romance and paranormal intrigue. While it’s the second in Charlotte Stein’s series, it can be read as a standalone, though there are some cameos from Helping a Hungry Werewolf that fans will recognize.

The story follows Nancy, an unassuming but quietly assertive bookstore owner, as she agrees to help Jack Jackson—the town’s reclusive oddball—learn how to be the kind of guy a woman would fall in love with. Jack is inexperienced in the ways of love (and being human), which makes for some awkward moments and dates as Nancy attempts to teach him the ropes. I appreciate that Nancy is also seen as a little bit different. She’s not the kind of girl who wants a regular prince, which is a good thing for Jack.

There’s a definite Beauty and the Beast vibe, though not directly inspired by the tale—it’s more about two people feeling like they don’t quite belong, finding belonging in each other.

Stein crafts endearing characters in Nancy and Jack, whose mutual insecurities are both endearing and a little heartbreaking. They’re so sweet and reserved in many ways, yet Stein doesn’t shy away from throwing in some explicit language during their most vulnerable moments, creating an oddly charming juxtaposition that made me giggle and just seemed a little out of place. Shy unsure characters that are totally cool using some smutty language is amusing to me.

The story had some nice quotes that were worth annotating. Jack’s quote, “Doubt is the worst thing about being human,” really encapsulates the emotional core of the story and was super relatable. Even if Jack isn’t human, his experience (and Nancy’s) will definitely resonate with some readers.

The paranormal aspect unfolds slowly—almost too slowly. Nancy doesn’t discover Jack’s demonic nature until well into the story, and when she does, it’s almost comical in its reveal. While the build-up is sweet, it leaves some questions about Nancy’s eerie visions and unexplained references to her past that are never fully fleshed out. There’s also a bit of confusion around the mechanics of the world—like how one can only see paranormal elements after becoming part of that world. I would have loved a bit more exploration of that, especially given Stein’s knack for world-building.

Fans of Helping a Hungry Werewolf will enjoy the brief reunion with Cassie and Seth, though newcomers may not feel the same impact. It’s a cute scene but perhaps lacking context if you haven’t read the first book. Still, it’s a nice touch that gives a sense of continuity.

One of the highlights is the last 10% of the book, where the pacing and stakes ramp up significantly, leading to a satisfying and well-earned conclusion. Stein’s sense of whimsy shines through in small, charming details—like Nancy’s familiar, Popcorn, and the hilariously cheesy music choices in Jack’s truck.

That said, I wish there had been more description of the world Stein is building. The potential is clearly there, and what we do see has so much potential—I just wanted more, especially at the end of the novel on Nancy’s rescue mission.

Overall, Dealing with a Desperate Demon is a sweet, quirky paranormal romance that’s easy to fall into, albeit a bit slow to build, with just enough spice and humor to keep you engaged. Fans of golden retriever demons, endearing weirdos, and unlikely and fated love stories will find a lot to enjoy here.

I was pretty excited to read this book as the concept behind it sounded great- small town romance with a modern twist on the classic Beauty and the Beast.

However the book just felt super chopped up, the spice was not super compelling, and the dialogue felt really rough and repetitive at times. I feel like I would have enjoyed it more with additional character development and just overall editing would have made it so much better.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for the ARC!

I posted a review on my goodreads profile and on my Instagram profile story and highlight the review in my Instagram profile under ARC reviews on 5/18/25.

I really wanted to love this book—and I did at the very beginning—but it started to drag a little and get repetitive at the end.

The concept of the book really hooked me. Small, cozy town. Grumpy demon with a heart of gold and a misfit bookshop owner. A demon trying to learn how to be human and love, after growing up in literal Hell.

The silly, cringey descriptions of Jack at the beginning made me laugh (“hubcap-sized elbow” especially made me giggle) and really set the book up to be a nice cozy, silly read. For the most part, the somewhat silly dialogue and references to media were fun and kept the book lighthearted despite the someone serious undertones of Jack and Nancy’s story!

I think the writing style was the biggest issue I had with it. At the beginning, the kind of choppy style worked and I just thought I could get used to it, but as the book progressed it became a little hard to follow. While Jack not saying her name made total sense, Nancy only being referred to as “she” throughout the entire book, even when other female characters were involved, started to grate on me a little. There were definitely some repeated errors that also took me out of the immersion. Specifically, the phrase “it was all she could do not to…” This phrase was used so liberally, but never actually followed any sort of action. I found myself having to go back a few pages to see if I missed some action or description many times, especially towards the end.

I actually really loved the plot and where the story was headed, but around the 60% mark it started to drag—likely because of the writing style.

I absolutely loved Jack :) He was so sweet and kind, and I felt so emotional every time he hinted at how cruel people were to him. Nancy was likable, but I would have loved to see a little more growth/awareness from her. She kind of turned into a badass overnight with little explanation for it other than boom, she’s a powerful witch. It could have been cool to see a little more of that journey. I think it’s such a fine line before a character starts turning into not the other girls and Nancy definitely started toeing it towards the end.

60% of the book was quite sweet and cozy, and had me eager to learn what was next. The remaining 40% was difficult to follow and a bit rushed.

The smut felt a little unnecessary and awkward, especially considering that was the one part of interacting with people that Jack didn’t really need to practice. Maybe it was just the writing style—perhaps a nod to the old romance novels Nancy loved—but it felt a bit dated? There was also a bit of a disconnect and lack of chemistry between Jack and Nancy. I liked them as friends, but not as much as lovers :(

I really believe the bones of this book are good, but the writing style dragged it down quite a bit. That said, I will probably try another book from this author! Perhaps this style is better suited for a different romance genre with less magic/world building?

This was so good. I loved the plot and characters. It was paced perfectly. I didn't wanna put it down and was on the edge of my seat

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Sexy, strange, and unexpectedly sweet—I wasn’t ready, but I loved it.

This book took me by surprise in the best possible way. It’s weird and wonderful, with just the right blend of heat, heart, and absolute chaos. The demon is unhinged in a totally loveable way, and the chemistry? Off-the-charts ridiculous—in the best way.

Charlotte Stein somehow made this feel both spicy and soft. There’s real emotion under all the snark and seduction, and I was genuinely rooting for this wild, strange little love story to work out. It’s like falling in love with a disaster demon who just needs a little understanding (and a lot of flirting).

Hilarious, hot, and surprisingly wholesome. Loved every minute.

Second read by this author. The first book's writing style didn't secure my interest.
Still, the plot of this second book was not your run of the mill plot. Also, a second try of another can lead to unexpected good novels.

This read didn't turn out that way.
Didn't like the nickname of 'kid' as it seemed to be a bit patronizing for a grown woman. The writing style mirrored the first read. It was, at times, overly florid and the characters didn't resonate.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffins, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoyed the characters and world-building. I love a grumpy MMC with a secret nougat center. That Jack was using pop culture to guide him in his daily life and how to be a man was excellent. I also enjoyed watching Nancy realize her power. I almost wish there was a little more time spent between the Nancy pulling him out of hell and the resolution of the story. But I loved it!

To be honest, I was a bit out of my depth as I haven’t read too many supernatural romances. However the description captured my attention, and I had to give it a read. Within a few pages, I was captivated by the story and couldn’t stop reading. I liked the naïveté and sweetness of the main characters. People who’ve endured such trauma and yet have such gentle souls. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing their HEA play out. The supernatural elements just added to the adventure and kept me utterly entertained.

I sadly had to dnf this book because it felt underdeveloped and awkward at so many places that I just could not get a hang of it.

I wanted to love this but had trouble connecting with the story! Wished the characters were a bit more developed.

I've been patiently waiting for this and was very excited whiten I saw it here! It didn't disappoint! I loved the diverse body representation and the fact that the FMC doesn't apologize for being plus sized. The vulnerability both of the characters show is so heartwarming as well. This is just a cozy read, with spice and a talking dog; perfect.

The book was enjoyable, but the repeated phrases throughout pulled me out of the story a bit. The tv bits throughout made me laugh, and I love a plus size FMC.

Nancy has spent many hours on trying to find her special person but is almost ready to give up when she Jack Jackson comes into her life. She has a dream of what she wants her future relationship to be like.

Thank you to St. Martins Press for an ARC of this book for review.

I normally love monster and paranormal romance, and I'd consider myself a fan Charlotte Stein. I was so excited to dig into this book but unfortunately it fell really flat for me.

I found the build up to be tedious, I struggled to connect with the characters, and ultimately I just didn't enjoy reading it.

✨Paranormal Romance

✨Grumpy/Sunshine

✨Cinnamon Roll MMC

✨Interconnected Standalone

✨Small Town

✨Fake Dating

“He’d just seemed so angry, and everything felt weird suddenly, darker somehow.”

”He clearly despised anything warm and welcoming and sweet.”

”Happiness made him angry, and pretty things made him even angrier than that.”

” He was just a dude. That was all. Just a really big, hairy, crochet dude.”

” He really is the Beast, from the Disney movie, all he’s missing is the horns and the fangs.”

” Maybe I can jump out of the car while it’s still moving before the mortification of being so soft with him kills me.”

” Yeah, this specific girl I like. I want to be worthy of her. More than anything, I need to be worthy of her.”

”A man like him, taking such care? She could hardly believe it.”

” Like, even if I was the scariest thing you can imagine, as long as my personality is a reassuring one, that she likes, it’ll be okay?”

”I want to be worth the dinners more than I want to be worth the other stuff.”

”A good father wants you to be safe, no matter how little he understands what you’re scared of.”

” It’s okay to be different. It’s nice to be different. I like that you’re different.”

” Just focus on being yourself. Yourself is great, I promise.”

” Next time you need someone to catch you when you fall, you know you can count on me.”

” It gave him this air of a gentle librarian. Off the gentle librarian sidelined as a bare-knuckle boxer.”

” You just want to be loved and to care for someone.”

” Can’t believe how much you’ve got me wrapped around your tiny fingers.”

” She felt electric, brand new. Like she could do anything, if she wanted to.”

” No one has ever done more right by me than you.”

” If my heart is good, then yours is a wonder.”

”I defied every rule to set you free, and rained hellfire on all who opposed me.”

This one just wasn’t for me. I kept trying to get into the story and persisted. It was very underwhelming in some parts. It was difficult to form emotional connections with some of the characters.

Over the Last year I decided that the majority of the romance books I read the FMC needs to be Plus Size. I myself am a plus size woman so I relate more when the FMCs look like me. Within that this year I found Charlotte Stein and her books some on KU and some on Libby. She is one of my go to authors when it comes to plus size romance. I hope everyone enjoys this book as much as I did.

Nancy and Jack were a really sweet couple. Starting out as taking that chance and getting to know Jack, Nancy was fun and learning her magic. I felt the book did great on pacing and building the world. It was a second in a series, but totally stand alone and I did not feel lost.

This book was filled with mystery for me. In a good way. Both Nancy and Jake, two total opposites but yet still attracted to each other in their own way but never wanted to admit it. Actually……I probably shouldn’t say “never wanted to admit it” on Jack’s end. Knowing that he couldn’t say it because of what position he was put into. They both fought for each other's love in their own kind of way even though it took them awhile to realize it. So much could have been said to each other but kept to themselves til the end. It was a great read. Kept me on my feet for wanting to know more.

I'm really torn on this book, because there were things I really liked about it, but there was a lot that I really didn't.

Let's start with the good: The concept was cute and cozy. Small town, grumpy-sunshine vibes, main character owns a bookstore.. All things to love. Lots of tv/movie references that were intertwined throughout the plot and used in the funniest way. I went into this expecting a cheesy little paranormal rom-com, and for the most part, it delivered in that way.

But the bad: For me, the dialogue was way to over-the-top, bordering on painful. Though there were references to Roseanne and Frasier , the dialogue felt almost Shakespearean at times. With the "Oh, my love, my love" and overdramatic repetition of words and phrases.. it just did NOT fit the setting or the overall vibes of the book for me. There were so many times that the dialogue was so distracting, I would read two pages and realize I had no idea what had just happened or what was going on in the story. There was a lot that wasn't ever explained properly, and a lot that just didn't make sense. The dialogue just made everything feel muddy. Some characters just accepted life-altering news like it was nothing, the magic system was hardly explained, and I'm still a bit confused by the ending.

Overall, the book isn't bad. The premise is cute and cozy, and there were a lot of moments that made me laugh out loud. The bones of the book are great, but it just seems like the execution fell short. The dialogue was trying too hard to be poetic and felt like it clashed with the setting and the story itself. It was still a fun read, and I enjoyed it enough, but it had the potential to be better.