Reviewed by True
TITLE: Prejudice and Pride
SERIES: Passing Through Café #5
AUTHOR: Nik Knight
PUBLISHER: Self-Published
LENGTH: 407 pages
RELEASE DATE: July 13, 2026
BLURB:
There’s a fine line between love and hate, and for Dex, Cya just might cross it.
Born into wealth and luxury, Cylene Vysov is as accustomed to privilege as they are the stifling rules it demands of them. When forced into a tutoring arrangement with Dex, an insufferable jock, Cya’s pride and preconceived perceptions are challenged, and they’re faced with a choice: hold on to their cushy lifestyle, or risk everything for a chance at real happiness.
But authenticity comes at a cost, and as far as Dex is concerned, Cya has a bill to settle.
Dex Triever might not be the smartest guy, but that doesn’t stop him from killing it in the stadium, providing for his mom and sister, or chiseling away at Cya’s icy exterior to uncover the fragile heart hidden beneath. Despite their attempts to keep him at arm’s length, Dex refuses to concede defeat, and piece by piece, Cya’s defenses begin to crumble.
What sparks as volatile friction quickly ignites into explosive chemistry, but before Cya can win his heart, Dex must first earn their trust.
Neither come cheap, but both are worth the price.
Join Cya, Dex, and the rest of the eccentric staff of The Passing Through Cafe in this laugh-out-loud LGBTQ+ urban fantasy rom-com, full of found family, hysterical himbo-syncrasies, accountability and acceptance, and a gentle love that feels like home.
REVIEW:
Cya is a Sypent, coming from a rich cold family. They are bullied at the university, and feels alone. They only have Hemersyn, who raised them and looked after them their whole life, instead of Cya’s awful parents.
Cya has been close to someone only once, and they burned themself. The guy made them ridiculous, told private things about their body, their intersex identity. Since then, they avoided contact with anyone.
Dex is in their face the whole time, no rude comments can shove him away.
Dex is a Lupyn, he’s an optimistic sunshine, and just shrugs when Cya makes rude and sarcastic comments. Cya’s venomous tongue should discourage Dex, but he’s easy-going and laughs it away.
“Dex, meet your new tutoring student. Cya, meet your new tutor.” Gulp! Cya wants to run. And Dex was like, yess!! He is happy to spend time with Cya.
Dex is head over heels, he’s too much for Cya, right? Nah, he’s magnificent! And wait for it, Cya is slowly melting for Dex, and it was everything!!
They both work at the Passing Through Cafe. We’ll meet all our awesome friends from this series there.
Btw, Hemersyn is the bomb!!
“P. A. C. K.”
The story and characters have so much depth. Both their background stories are superbly executed, the characteristics, the insecurities, the hurt comfort, the humor, the smexy moments it was one glorious story.
There are hundreds of lines I wanted to highlight, really too many to mention!
These creatures are downright brilliant! I love this author’s mind!
High five for this absolutely fabulous story. Boom!!
RATING: 
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