This was so FUN!
But not fun in a empty-head way, fun in a "genuinely having a great time while reading it" way.
It is a road trip, monster hunting, forced proximity, workplace romance with the vibes of the early good Supernatural seasons.
Alexis and Nick have depth and the dual POV allowed us to get into their head and slowly peel back the layers and understanding the characters and what drives them.
The monster-hunting aspect of it was so fun! I loved the fact that neither of them are actually monster hunters and especially that Nick is a researcher! Research is fundamental!
All the tidbits and snippets of Appalachian folklore and legends were super interesting and made me want to read more.
The banter and tension and snappy lines between Alexis and Nick was fun without feeling forced or repetitive.
Such a great read!

thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for sending me an Arc in exchange for my honest opinion

(Mostly) Human Resources is the first book in what definitely feels like a series. It sets up the world and the Entity company well for future books and has built a nice slow burn romance to further build on in the future. There isn't a cliffhanger at all, but it does have open plot points that will be carrying forward to the next book. I didn't always love the antagonist nature of Alexys and Nic's relationship but I did like the optimistic place where they ended the book.

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley but this is my voluntary and honest review.

Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had a feeling I was going to love this one just from the description, and it turned out to be exactly the kind of read I was in the mood for.

The world-building is easy to follow without feeling too simple. It actually reminded me a lot of The X-Files in the best way, it has that same slightly eerie, investigative vibe. It’s such a cosy take on horror.

I loved every aspect of it. The characters are genuinely funny, and I really hope we get to see more of Alexys and Nic in future books.

I can’t wait to pick up book two!

"Can’t Never Could" but Grace Viall did. This book was both a cozy read and a book I couldn’t put down. I read most of it over two days and if I wasn’t busy I probably would have read it in one! Cute romance? Check. Monsters? Check. High stakes? Check. I think I’ve discovered a new favourite theme in a book and it’s romance alongside trying to uncover some sort of mystery. The story follows Alexys from HR trying to recover one of her missing wardens and Nic, the know it all researcher who inserts himself into the equation (no one except Alexys is complaining 😉). While the story starts off a little slow it picks up fairly quickly and ends up being full of risk, suspense and action towards the end. I did not want to put it down. My only criticism is that the first book isn’t even out yet and now I am DYING for book 2!! If I make a deal with Silas can I get that now too??

Final Rating : 4 stars - the only thing that stops it from being 5 stars for me is that the start was a little slow for me, and the end went from 100 to 0 fairly quickly. I feel as if the end could have benefited from being a little longer but at least it is set up well for book 2! I can’t wait to have some questions answered and watch Alexys and Nic reveal what they have been hiding from each other!

Thank you to Netgalley, Head of Zeus and Grace Viall for the eARC of (Mostly) Human Resources.
As someone who works in HR the title of this book immediately drew me in and then the blurb had me requesting this one quick time!
This was such a fun read, the chemistry and banter between FMC Alexys and MMC Nic was so fun! Their personalities are written really well and both characters are instantly likeable. Their slow burn romance is cute and I look forward to seeing how it develops in the next book.
The story is really easy to follow and I found the concept of having a company keeping an eye on the creatures of the world intriguing. The corporate world of Entity felt real and could be any business in our real world.
This book would suit anyone who is into:
• Supernatural creatures (including monster bunnies who steal expense receipts)
• Workplace dislike to lovers
• Slow burn romance with banter
• Folklore

This book is my favourite genre: a ROMP! A fast-paced contemporary fantasy where the workplace is hellish. With high stakes, creepy cryptids, a cute romance and a bespectacled love interest, (Mostly) Human Resources is an exceptionally fun read.

I am in awe. I was very sincerely not expecting (Mostly) Human Resources. I’ve been seeing a trend of magical realism books that are in “office” settings but have fantasy/supernatural elements. It is quickly becoming one of my favourite things.

(Mostly) Human Resources follows Alexys, who works for a company called Entity. This company manages and categorizes cryptids. Alexys’ main job is to manage wardens and one of her wardens runs off after a dangerous cryptid- Alexys goes to save him. Enter Nic, head of research who may have not so subtly helped said warden go off in search of the aforementioned cryptid. With the potential to categorize something new, Nic also runs off after the warden. The two end up on a traumatizing journey through the Appalachian mountains.

This story I swear goes from 0 to 100. We have a pretty slow start into the action but once we are in it- I was hooked. The slow burn between Nic and Alexys was absolute torture. Grace Viall delivered the perfect forced proximity, enemies to lovers dynamic.

(Mostly) Human Resources is the perfect combination of urban fantasy, horror and romance. Despite all of that it still manages to be cozy! I had such a great time with this and I cannot wait for book two!!!! I need it.

“There’s always two sides to a story: the monster and the victim.”

Suffering from otherworldly night terrors and an inexplicable fear of the dark, the last thing Alexys needs in her life is a missing warden and what feels like an already doomed rescue mission in the Appalachian mountains - let alone having to do so with the chaotic and pompous director of research, Nic, who not only has a secret personal agenda to be on the trip but who also knows her coffee order and owns too many white t shirts. What could possibly go wrong?

With an ominous sense of dread in the air, singing cicadas and haunting whistles from deep within the woods, the unlikely duo embark on their journey and run into all kinds of mythical and supernatural beings along the way.

After encountering a haint and stumbling across a hansel and gretel-esque cottage, nighttime looms and brings darkness with it. With the pair driven to keep a quick pace they put their supposed dislike for each other to rest (that’s what those feelings are, right?) and learn to trust one another - after all the ancient mountains are said to be home to a towering shambling corpse of a beast that shouldn’t exist, but is there more to the local folklore that they don’t already know?

Mostly Human Resources is a charming and charismatic first instalment to the series that has heart, grief and the power of perseverance at its core. For lovers of folklore, cryptids and all things that go bump in the night! - Can’t never could.

This book was such a breath of fresh air! A completely new setting which I haven’t read before, tied in with a slow burn office romance and some high stakes monster hunting. A wonderful ARC that pulled me in with the cover and kept me with the setting and characters.

This has a slow start but honestly I didn’t feel like it was any slower than most books set in the real world with something strange going on. I did find it a little hard to follow to begin with as I didn’t know just how close it was to the real world, although once I had clocked that I was speeding through.

I LOVED the world, as well as Alexys and Nic’s jobs, I found the story line so interesting it kept me gripped the whole way through. I loved the side characters and the fact we had more going on than just the romance elements that were shining through. I would have maybe liked to know a little more about Alexys job before everything started happening but I understand the need to keep this one short.

I found the adventure and high stakes incredibly engaging, the monsters genuinely sounded awful but that’s what kept me coming back to it. I was so worried for Alexys and Nic, I didn’t want to imagine them coming into contact with the Hollow Walker after meeting the Jackalopes!!
I honestly don’t know much about the Appalachian Mountains being British but if these myths/monsters are real then I don’t think they’ll be seeing me any time soon.

I was a little sad to find out it wasn’t a standalone and was hoping that maybe the second book would be about Natalie instead but I understand the want to further follow these wonderful characters. I would have liked to see the ending being a little longer, having gone from high stakes seemingly to nothing very quickly at the end with maybe a little bit more development of the romance in that end section.

That said, I can’t wait to read the next!!

4.5 ⭐
I had so much fun reading this book, it is totally out of my comfort zone but it was just what I needed and once i started I couldn't put it down! Straight from the start the opening chapters had me instantly intrigued and I loved the main character Alexys she was such a down to earth character that I couldn't help but warm to her. Workplace romance, monster hunting road trip and forced proximity, where neither of the main characters are actually monster hunters only added to the enjoyment. I loved every single thing about this book and the added dual pov helped to understand both the main characters Alexys and Nic perfectly.

This book is a mix of so many genres and as someone who doesn't read anything horror wise I absolutely loved how they all totally worked. There's urban fantasy, folklore and a really beautiful start to a slow burn romance all set within the atmospheric Appalachian Mountains. The monsters were written so well and there were moments that left me in chills as the author did an amazing job at describing everything so flawlessly that it was all so clear and easy to understand and came together perfectly. Even though the plot moved at a fast pace it never felt like anything was left behind whether that was the development, characters or storytelling it was written in such a fulfilling way.

My favourite thing though has to be the banter between Alexys and Nic. The tension, the snappy one liners between them was so much fun and it was such a joy to see their relationship slowly develop. I am really hoping there's a sequel to come as it ended with one of the best lines ever.

This was just such a fun and enjoyable read and I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Mostly Human Resources
Grace Viall
Head of Zeus books
6th Aug 2026

‘Let me get this straight. You want to ask a homicidal ghost for directions?’
This novel is one hundred percent for me and I bet, lots of readers out there.
It’s like a treasure trove of monsters, mayhem and mystery. A sort of lovechild of Scooby Doo, Mallory Marlowe/Jo Segura, Ali Hazelwood and ‘The Office’. I kid you not!
HR manager Alexys works for Entity; a corporation that investigates cryptid sightings and deals with them if necessary.
Whilst the wardens do the ‘boots on the ground’ stuff, they’re managed by ‘HR’ – Alexys - who have weekly check ins with them. Alexys and other HR staff liaise with the research department and its Head, the annoyingly smug and annoyingly attractive Nic Dyre. In every management meeting he and Alexys fight like cat and dog.
Her main friend in Nic’s team is Zach, who is helping her with her own little issue. For years she has been plagued by nightmares and possibly premonitions.
When she gets a ‘message’ telling her one of her wardens is dead, then he actually misses check in, she hurtles off on an unauthorised mission to Mercy Hill in the Appalachians to find her missing warden, Elliot.
Unfortunately for Alexys, her nemesis Nic swiftly follows, desperate to find an elusive cryptid he’s obsessed with.
Of course there’s all sorts of shenanigans and mischief Alexys gets up to. But worst of all is the fact she’s been followed by Nic – with his insufferable encyclopaedic knowledge and his tousled hair, grey eyes and ... biceps!
So much back story and ongoing story arc plus world building occurs in this book as the two leads clash, bicker, hunt for Elliot and encounter a whole variety of cryptids.
And just like a jackalope, this is a hybrid sort of novel. Part adventure, part X Files, part horror, part romance and definitely lots of comedy.
It ends with a nice narrative hook with the first story arc completed and a hint of romance. There are also very poignant moments, such as the child they encounter in the woods and Alexys’s own complicated relationship with her deceased father.
Given this is book one of The Entity series we can expect more of the snappy dialogue and slow burn romance. I’d love to see Zach of the purple hair get his shining moment.
I adored everything about this genre bending book and want much, much more from Grace Viall.

This book shows an entirely original folkloric tale of monsters, enemies to lovers and HR. With folk horror vibes (without too much gore) with a huge focus on nature and relationships, this book is amazing, really taking me into this world. I loved the twists and turns (they didn't seem predictable) and the magical monsters woven throughout. It will be interesting to see where the series continues.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and consumed all my thoughts whenever I had to put it down, I even dreamed about it. Vaill effortlessly weaves workplace banter and annoying but attractive coworkers with a life-threatening mission deep into the Appalachian mountains with plenty of spooky cryptids. (Mostly) Human resources is truly for everyone who grew up on monster of the week shows (X-Files and Supernatural anyone?!?) in need of a binge-able weekend read. Alexys and Nic's dynamic personalities (Alexys's stubbornness and kind heart and Nic's curiosity and loyalty made them main characters that'll stay with me for a long time) kept their darkness fuelled trip into the unknown that much more enticing. Overall I'm counting down the days until I can have book two in my hands since I can tell Alexys and Nic's adventure is just getting started!

Alexys is attempting to honour her father's legacy when she joins the human resources department of Entity, a company that researches, records, and deals with monsters and cryptids out there, that may or may not be known.

But when one of their staff goes missing, apparently in search of a hitherto unknown monster, she must contend with not only finding that warden, but also potentially discovering a new cryptid - and do so before her annoying (and annoyingly attractive) work rival beats her to it...

A book with elements of cryptids, chaos and cozy romance, this is an entertaining tale that will appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy a touch of spookiness with their adventure stories.

Thank you to Grace Viall and Aria & Aries for an eARC of this book on NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book felt like a cosy fantasy but with monsters. That might sound strange but there was something comforting about the book, despite the gruesome depictions and creepy monsters. I felt like I was with a good friend with Alexys. She works in HR for Entity, a company who manages cryptids and monster. She’s a perfectionist, obsessed with coffee, eager to please and rule-abiding to a fault. Enter Nic, the head of research and cataloguing who is highly intelligent, smug and makes it his personal duty to annoy Alexys.

When one of Alexy’s Wardens goes missing, she and Nic end up journeying through the Appalachian mountains together (much to Alexy’s dismay). What could possibly go wrong?! This is a classic case of work nemeses who can’t stand each other, who start to become something more, even if neither of them are quite ready to accept it. There’s plenty of tension and it’s a slowwwww burn.

I loved the setting in the Appalachian mountains, and enjoyed seeing the rich folklore come to life. I would have been happy to see even more of the area, and I hope we can get that in book 2. I also loved meeting all the cryptids and monsters - black dogs, jackalopes, haints and of course, the hollow walker, alongside some mysterious humans too…

And on to that Alexy’s strange nightmares and we have a proper mystery on our hands! The excerpts at the beginning of each chapter (from Entity handbooks, a grimoire and private journals), we learn about the creatures, the company, and perhaps a little bit of magic too.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read which I would highly recommend. I will absolutely be reading book 2.

4.75

I genuinely didn’t know what to expect going into this book, and I was impressed! Its corporate office rivals being forced to work together to survive in a deadly forest to find their missing colleague before they cross paths with an unclassified cryptid called the Hollow Walker or will they end up strangling each other before anything.

this had so much humour, silly bantering and mysterious creatures that I loved reading this!! I highly recommend people picking this up, because Nic & Alexys were soo darn cute for me 😫.

I was really curious about how the romance and horror would be balanced in this, and I think the book handled both incredibly well. It definitely reads as the first installment in a trilogy, meaning it takes its time building relationships, dynamics, lore, and the overall foundation for the larger story. Which also means… you absolutely will not get all your answers in this book alone hahaha. (I’m laughing and crying at the same time .dw.) As painful as it was to finish with so many unanswered questions, I still genuinely enjoyed the experience and don’t regret it at all. In fact, I already know I’ll be rereading this before book 2 comes out for sureee.

Alexys and Nic’s dynamic; from work nemesis to pathetic lovers, was genuinely so well done because they truly did not start off romantically interested in each other. Alexys spends most of the book irritated with Nic and constantly on the verge of strangling him because of his know-it-all personality, while Nic is so consumed by his fascination with cryptids and mysteries that he barely notices anything beyond them. And whenever he crossed paths with Alexys, he absolutely knew how much he got under her skin and seemed to enjoy annoying her both intentionally and unintentionally. Watching their banter and bickering slowly evolve into flirting and teasing felt so natural and smooth that even I was panicking alongside Alexys every time Nic said something flirtatious. Their conversations and bickering were genuinely hilarious, so silly and so entertaining to read, and seeing both of their character developments unfold made me even more excited for the future books.

The horror elements mixed with folklore and cryptids were done really well too. The creatures felt genuinely eerie and unsettling, and there were definitely moments where I caught myself holding my breath. I loved learning more about the world — from the cryptids themselves to the bureaucracy, hierarchy, and rules surrounding the company. The monsters introduced here had so much lore and intrigue behind them that I became completely hooked on wanting to know more. I loved seeing these office workers suddenly thrown into the field and forced to realise that no amount of research can truly prepare you for seeing these entities face-to-face. The story really changes with who tells the story really moment. There’s still so much left unknown, but in a way that feels intentionally mysterious rather than unsatisfying. Felt very on brand for Appalachian area you know?

I also really loved the handbook excerpts and quotes added before each chapter. They added so much to the worldbuilding and made the story feel even more immersive. The pacing was slower at the beginning for me since the first 20% leaned heavily into the corporate office setting, but once the story moved into the field. That’s when it really became my favourite. And after the Hollow Walker was introduced… everything started feeling like a fever dream. The atmosphere became so intense, surreal, and terrifying so quickly, like the story had suddenly shifted into slow motion after getting hit over the head kinda way.

I loved her writing style and storytelling will definitely read all her future works <3.

I desperately need book 2 immediately please. ♡

Also, one request for the publishers: it would be SO cool if the books included drawings or sketches of the cryptids as they’re introduced. That would honestly elevate the reading experience even more. (I saw them for the pr boxes and I thought they were soo cool)

Thank you for the e-arc Netgalley copy! <3

4.5/5 ⭐️

Full disclosure, I am part of Grace’s street team but that has never stopped me from giving a negative review if needed. Having said that, let’s get into my thoughts.

“It was a smile of death, of suffering, of an endless winter.”

A love letter to Appalachia, folklore, X-Files and all things spooky.

Sometimes atmospheric, sometimes silly, always entertaining genre-bending romp across the Appalachian region.
The addition of the handbook and diary excerpts at the beginning of each chapter was an excellent move as it really helped with world building.

I loved Nic (eventually) and Alexys (straight away) and their quippy relationship, it was very reminiscent of every work friendship and relationship I’ve had. I cannot wait to see how the secrets of this book will inevitably tear them apart in the future.

There’s definitely some pacing issues, some character choices that are questionable and I wasn’t sure if Nic was actually likeable for like a quarter of it; but all the good things about this story definitely outweigh the bad.
I’ve also seen a few complaints saying that Alexys’ transfer doesn’t make sense given the circumstances, but I think it does! Giving her District 13 is a clear punishment, and they get to restructure as they please without losing experienced staff. If you’ve ever worked in an office environment this will absolutely make sense.
I do hope Grace leans more into the horror and the chaos of the third act more in book 2. Those mine scenes were my absolute favourite.

And oh I cannot wait to see more of my boy Silas in the future. I have a strangely soft spot for that psychopath. Definitely a strong start to a series. You will find me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure until book 2 comes out.

I’ll be honest, I picked this book based on the title and the little description that came with it. I’m so glad I did. Grace Viall has pulled together something others often strive for: a cosy, yet gripping, horror tinged folk story. Something I’m personally not usually interested much in is the romance elements but I was really drawn by the enemies to almost lovers trope Grace has employed.
The Appalachian's and the cryptid folklore of that that area is a rich treasure trove of stories and Grace has tapped into it perfectly.
I’m really hoping that we get more stories about Alexys and her adventures in the woods and mountains of District 13’s Third Quadrant.

What a fantastic book, omg! I am in awe.

"(Mostly) Human Resources" by Grace Viall is such a fun and entertaining read; I enjoyed every single page and couldn't get enough.

If you love:
⋆ exquisite banger
⋆ well-written slow burn
⋆ Appalachian folklore/cryptids in general
This is the book for you.

It reminded me a bit of Supernatural and Criminal Minds: monster hunting but make it corporate.

Book 1 isn't even out yet and I already need a second book (At least the ending felt like a good setup for one.)

Oh, the nostalgia!! Oh, the creepy! Oh, the enemies to lovers romance!

This seriously surpassed all expectations. I LOVED it! Alexys and Nic as the new Scully and Mulder? YES. Plus creepy Appalachian cryptids, a missing person, and a terrifying monster in the woods?! Too much fun. And that's exactly what Mostly Human Resources is, so much fun. Alexys is bonkers, and Nic can be absolutely insufferable, but in the best way (both of them). Also I think I definitely need that candle from Nic's office. So funny.

This was pure escapism as it's finest, with just enough fantasy to suspend my disbelief, but grounded in a modern setting. I've seen some people comparing this to Supernatural, which I can totally see, but this also sort of has Buffy vibes. The ending?! Talk about a cliff-hanger! I feel like there are so many unfinished threads so I can't wait for book two.

(Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall is one of those books where you can tell from the first chapter that you are reading something special, you get that fizz of excitement that a new series is ahead for you and I for one am fully invested. I am a huge fan of Tom Holt and I thought this book would run in parallel with elements of the HG Wells series with regard to the corporate blend, but (Mostly) Human Resources takes the ball and makes it's own game, winning the match and creating its own league

Alexys works in HR, a normal job, but for a company that is anything but normal. The primary business of the Company, Entity are monsters and the categorisation and management thereof. Alexys is happy in her day to day, until one of the researchers in her section goes missing and old wounds open, not helped by her work nemesis, Nic impeding her progress at every turn, not least the search for Eliot - what follows is a belter of an adventure with a litny of side-characters that are horrifying and adorable in equal measure (The Hollow Walker can just grr...well read and see!)

The dual pov artfully structures the storyline and character building with the grace of a double helix and just as strong, likewise the world building is elegant, weaving modern sensibilities with traditional Appalachian folklore, giving a wholly contemporary take on preternatural beings. Setting this all in the hierarchy of a corporation is genius and the comedy element is belting

We have;

- A litany of monsters and creatures and thingummies and wotsits whose behaviour leaves a lot to be desired!
- Enemies to lovers/ Preternatural Corporate Setting
- Slow Burn that will turn your teeth inside out in the best way
- Gorgeous integration of traditional Appalachian folklore with a modern twist
- Great new ideas/ Series Starter

Key points for me were the slow burn romance (jeebus get it together you two!), the inclusion of Appalachian folklore and the corporate setting which make for a novel that is a sublime read and has huge potential for a rip-roaring series. I. am. here. for. it. Glorious!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Aria & Aries | Aria for this belter of an arc. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

Hard to imagine that this is Grace Vialls debut novel, but it is. A genre mash up that completely reeled me in.

The story follows Alexys a HR employee at Entity, a company that is responsible for tracking & cataloguing all supernatural creatures. A warden under her team goes missing in the mountains whilst disobeying orders to investigate a potential new cryptid. Alexys feels responsible so she alongside her rival researcher Nic head out into the field. The rescue mission soon turns into a fight for survival as they head deeper into monster territory.

Alexys & Nic have a workplace rivalry like no other, their bickering & banter makes this an entertaining read. Their enemies to lovers romance isn't to main focus of the book however their chemistry is obvious & I did root for them to admit their feelings.

Viall has seamlessly blended folklore with horror within the Appalachin setting which gives off the perfect atmosphere for the story. The mountains feel old & eerie & the cryptids sound absolutely bloody terrifying. This book Definitely gave me the chills.

The strangest feeling I had was how creepy the story was yet it felt cozy at the same time & I reckon thats pretty hard for an author to pull off. Viall went & did it anyways & successfully too.

If you enjoy atmospheric fantasy, monsters galore, an eerie kinda atmosphere & a slow burn, workplace, enemies to lovers romance then I highly recommend you read this.

Thank you to Netgalley, Aria&Aries Publishers & the author for the ARC.

I enjoyed this immensely, much more than I expected to. It turned out to be far less cosy than I had anticipated, leaning much more into folk-horror creepiness than cute, amusing monsters, and I was absolutely here for it! I loved the setup and the world-building, and the characters are interesting, entertaining and feel like they have plenty of room to grow in future books.

It's solidly written, with an intriguing, spooky plot and a brilliant cast of monsters and things that most definitely go bump in the night. The enemies-to-(possible)-lovers romance is lightly woven in rather than taking centre stage, which made for a refreshing change. I will most definitely be waiting (un)patiently for the next book in this series.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me an ARC

I loved this book omg, it took a turn that i wasn’t expecting but it made the whole thing more exciting. Alexys and Nic are duo that i immediately need more of, and lowkey i want more of Silas he was very intriguing.

I have so many questions left that i need book 2 asap.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of Mostly Human Resources!

I genuinely would never have guessed this was a debut novel from Grace Viall. The mix of genres worked so well together and made this such an addictive, easy-going read that I got into almost immediately.

The story follows Alexys and Nic, who work for a company called Entity that researches and investigates monsters, cryptids, and all things strange, and I loved the concept from the start. One of my favourite things about this book was all the different mini side stories throughout — there was always just enough information revealed to keep everything intriguing while still leaving me desperate to learn more.

Alexys and Nic also had such great chemistry, and if there ends up being another book, I’d love to see their relationship explored even further.

The horror elements were also really well done. All of the different monsters and cryptids felt creative and genuinely unsettling at times without taking away from the fun of the story.

Overall, this was such a great read and one I’d highly recommend, especially if you enjoy genre blends with horror, mystery, and paranormal elements. I really hope this gets a book two because I’d absolutely come back to this world.

When I saw the cover for (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall I was immediately intrigued, those colors and art work, WOW. Well, I did read the synopsis before clicking the button, so it wasn’t a total cover buy erm… arc request? But still, it was close. And I’m happy to say my netgalley streak continues, as this book has become a favorite of mine - again. I think I need to give up on normal books, just the books that I get approved of, and my reading will be a solid 5 stars from then on.

Anyway, let’s talk about the book itself. It’s set as an urban fantasy, where all the things that go bump in the night actually exist, and of course *cough capitalism* a company has swept in and helps people - for a price. Alexys is one of its employees, stuck in human resources, she coordinates the field agents so to speak. It’s not the job she actually wanted, but it’s the one she’s got and she’s very good. Meanwhile Nic has the job she initially wanted, he’s a researcher and provides very detailed reports on monsters, complete with foot notes. His biggest wish is to discover new monsters, and he thinks one of the field agents might be unto something, so when that agent goes missing, both he and Alexys wants to find out what happened, and they get the field trip of their lives.

I’m not sure how this book managed to be both funny, delightful, slightly cosy and really, really creepy, but it did just that. Alexys is a very likable person, and you absolutely gets why she does things, even if that thing is going out into the creepy woods. It took me a while to figure Nic out, but now he’s one of my favorite characters, and the journey of getting to know him is so worth it (not that it was a chore to begin with). The banter these two have is epic, absolutely epic. There is sort of a hate to love situation, and I’m here for it! The plot twists, wow, top notch. I wish I could talk about it more because it truly elevates the book. The plot is very engaging, not a dull moment, and you’re as equally invested in it as the romance, this wasn’t a 100% romance book but more of a important romantic side quest, with a focus on the mystery aspect.

The only downside for me is that the ending didn’t feel like an ending, but a setup for a next book. I mean, yay, I need a next book, but I really wanted to have more subplots tied up so this was a more satisfactory end. Hence the 4.5 stars instead of 5, ok and there was a creepy factor that made me put the book away for a day because it was too scary. I’m extremely easily scared so I’m probably the only one with that problem lol.

So, I absolutely love this book, it defies genres, but if you like a blend of humor, romance, creepy, banter, cosy and mystery definitely give it a go!

I received a free e-arc through Netgalley but this has not influenced my opinions.

This is a really well-executed blend of different genres. Alexys and Nic are a fantastic dynamic duo, and I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing more of their story. Silas was also a particularly compelling character, leaving a lasting impression.I thoroughly enjoyed this book! While it defies easy categorization, I recommend it to readers who appreciate a blend of humor, romance, creepiness, banter, coziness, and mystery. The book was very easy to read and I was completely engrossed from the beginning. I finished it in just two days.

The premise for this for this book is different from what I'd usually read..cozy/horror?! Colour me intrigued! Thankfully I'm happy to try genres I'm not used to, because I absolutely loved this book ❤️

Co-worker rivals set out on a mission to help find a mysteriously missing colleague. What ensues is lots of bicker/banter, mystery, folklore, Appalachian mountains with all sorts of mythical creatures!!

This book was so easy to read because it was so interesting and well written, I was eagerly flipping through each page because I just couldn't wait to read more!
The main characters work together at an organisation called Entity. Alexys and Nic were both stubborn and frustrating towards each other at times while still being extremely likeable to the reader. The chapters alternate between Alexys' POV and Nic's POV which were both funny, endearing and interesting (depending on which chapter you're on) to get both sides of the characters mind sets. I've read many books that have multiple POVs before but in this book it seems very intentional and gives us more to the story and character depth which was extremely well done 👏

I was super fascinated by all the folklore/mythical creatures, it was really (in my opinion) cool and fun (probably a bit creepy to some) to read all about them while the story still revolved around them, the plot and characters in a well-balanced combination 👌
Really looking forward to the next 2 books to find out more 🤩

Thankyou so much to the publisher Aria & Aries, the author Grace Viall and netgalley for this advanced readers copy in exchange for my review with my honest opinion

I was kindly gifted an advanced reader copy, however all thoughts are my own. Thank you to Aria/Head of Zeus, Grace Viall and Netgalley.

It's quite hard to believe this is a debut novel, it certainly doesn't read like it! This story blends Fantasy, Crime, Horror, Paranormal and Romance together with more spookiness than I was expecting!

I really enjoyed the twists through this book, there is a good balance between plot and character development. The descriptions of the 'monsters' made it really easy to picture and were all so varied and had fun takes on the types of creatures we are used to seeing in fantasy. Silas is especially intriguing and I need to know what's going to happen next.

We have a slow burn enemies to friends to (maybe) more subplot and I'm interested to see what happens with Alexys and Nic. Especially with the layers Nic is keeping from her.

I really enjoyed reading the excerpts from the Warden and Reaper Journals. I need more of those in the next books please!

There were a few open threads at the end of this, but I think the author has 2 more in this series coming so I'm sure we'll get our answers in those. I would have liked a little more subplot wrap up than we got. I'm certainly going to be picking up the next books!

4.25 ⭐

Big thanks to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for this eARC !

I was leisurely browsing netgalley one day when the cover of this book pulled me in. The title made me smile and the synopsis finished drawing me in. I perked up at the promise of Appalachian folklore, horror elements and a mysterious monster hunting company that reminded me too much of the SCP foundation not to pique my interest. I requested immediately and am very happy I got approved.

(Mostly) Human Resources is an enticing debut novel and the first in a series. Alexys, the main character, works in HR for Entity, a company that specializes in researching and managing monsters and cryptids all over the world. When one of her new Wardens goes missing, she decides to go find him herself. It’s a fast paced read and quite easy to get into right off the bat.

My favourite aspects of this story were undoubtedly the lore dropping and all the various monsters and cryptids that were talked about and encountered. That and the more horror-y and gory elements. I would’ve liked even more of it ! But the plot needed to leave some space for the budding romance between Alexys and her “insufferable know-it-all of a colleague” Nic. I honestly was completely unaware this book was also a romance (no idea how i didn’t know…). This aspect of the story is a bit predictable and at times slightly over the top (i’m not entirely sure i understand the rivalry here) but the banter was sweet and fun and ultimately, i enjoyed the ride.

If i do pick up the second book however, it won’t be for the romance but because i NEED to know more about the spider (iykyk), Silas and the cascade of problems unleashed at the end of this book.

This book has made me realise my love for all things folklore and ancient beings! I am already a major horror fan so I was pretty excited to get into this one. Although I wouldn’t necessarily put it in the horror category, it definitely had a couple of fun spooky moments that really set the scene (ghosts in the woods kind of thing!).

I thought the pacing was great, the witty banter was hilarious and a random thing but I really enjoyed the little HR/Employee Handbook excerpts at the start of each chapter. I was very happy to see that the romance didn’t take over the entire plot because I was very much enjoying the spooky quest Alexys and Nice were on and how staying alive was the most important thing.

This book has made me go and research the Appalachian history and listen to spooky ghost story podcasts so I think that speaks for itself! Would highly recommend for something a little different.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed this book and especially loved the lore and world-building throughout it.
As someone who is a big fan of cryptids, I thought the monsters and supernatural elements were done really well, and the Appalachian setting created such a creepy atmosphere. Because even as an Australian I know to stay out of the Appalachian Mountains!
Even the horror aspects were handled well, while it was tense and unsettling without relying on too much gore or shock value. The mystery surrounding The Hollow Walker was easily one of my favorite parts of the book.

I also enjoyed Alexys and Nic, and I liked the dynamic between them. However, I did feel like the romance aspect was kind of nonexistent. There were hints of chemistry, but it felt more like the beginning of a sloooooooowwwwwww burn rather than an actual romance. At first that disappointed me a little, but then I realized this book isn’t a standalone, which I didn’t know going in.

The ending definitely leaves things open for another book, and I’m really hoping there will be a sequel because I’d love to explore more of this world and see where the this world goes next. Overall, I’d definitely recommend to give this book a read.

Thank you netgally for a copy of this book!

Damn, this book was a wild ride and I enjoyed every second of it!

The story managed to perfectly blend elements of the real world and the hellscape that is working in corporate with fantastical beasts and monsters as well as a beautiful slow burn romance between two rival co-workers.

I loved the setting in the Appalachian Mountains. The author perfectly captured the eerie and uncomfortable vibe I imagine this place of the world to have. Is it weird to say that I want to visit after all the horrendous things the main characters went through?? Because I kinda do.
The pacing and the way the story progressed had me at the edge of my seat the entire time. It felt like at every corner was a new challenge or mystery for Alexys and Nic to solve.

Speaking of Alexys and Nic: I LOVE THEM! I fell head over heels for their dynamic basically the first time these two interacted on the page. Their easy banter, tension and the way they bounced off each other was absolute perfection for me and made me root for their relationship to develop further even more.

I’m already frothing at the mouth for the next book!!

The cover of Mostly Human Resources was initially what caught my eye (it has a Jackalope on it, how could I not be interested!), and after reading the blurb I was solidly intrigued.

It was obvious straight away that this was a book that I’d fall right into. The idea that our protagonist works in HR for a company that studies, monitors and protects people from cryptids, absolutely fascinated me. And the company is called ‘Entity’. Doesn’t that just scream mystery! Absolutely love the X-Files vibes it all gives.

And the book did not disappoint.

Grace Viall did a fantastic job of showing off some North American paranormal creature concepts. But balanced together with a fun office romcom situation.
It wasn’t a combination that I thought would have paired well, but I think it was well executed in (Mostly) Human Resources.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this.

I have already put in a request for a pre-order physical copy when it gets released!

Plot- this book is like X-Files meets that one Supernatural episode with the Wendigo 🙌 while the first half of the book is somewhat slow, the vibes were so good I didn’t really mind. I liked the idea of ‘oh no, we’re forced to work together to save our colleague and lots of creepy shit happens along the way and I can’t help but notice how attractive this idiot next to me is’ I eat that up every time!

I loved the corporate spin on a monster hunting agency that’s not exactly top secret and our two MC’s real work frustrations with one another really lent well to the tension being created between the two 🙌

I also went into this book thinking it was going to be more camp than it is and don’t let the cute cover and premise fool you, there are some quite sinister moments and underlying themes of grief and trauma that elevates this debut to a more complex story with characters that feel fleshed out and relatable.

Characters- Alexys is a likeable character who is brave, but a bit careless when it comes to her own safety. She seems very put together and organised at the office but on the hikes through the Appalachians, she seemed to throw all caution to the wind 🤯 and not always think things through. Watching her slowly start to accept help and work with Nic though, was really nice. I was proper creeped out by the entity attached to her giving her nightmares and and really wanted some peace for her 😩

Nic initially presents as a pencil-pusher, Type A stick in the mud but similarly to Alexys, out of the office environment he’s an even bigger wind up, a bit of a flirt and very brave. I didn’t like him putting research first and foremost but appreciated his priorities shifting.

Romance - I liked that this was very much a slow burn and that they’re fighting for the majority of the book. Did I think ‘just kiss already!!’ about 13 times? Yes, yes I did. But I also thought they were really sweet and I look forward to their conversation about the kiss and hopefully more kissing in book 2!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a fun, fast paced read. 🫶🏼

Mostly Human Resources by Grace Vial was such an enjoyable read. It had a really fun concept and blended humour, romance, and sci-fi in a way that felt really easy to get into. I loved the workplace dynamics and the way the characters bounced off each other.

The easiest way to describe this book is Emily Wilde meets The X-Files, but make it corporate. It's cosy, but I feel a little on edge. A HR employee and her frustratingly attractive rival from Research head into the Appalachian Mountains to investigate a missing Warden, and things quickly become much stranger and scarier than expected.

I loved the corporate monster-hunting concept, the cryptid lore, and the Appalachian setting. Once the story enters the Forrest , the atmosphere becomes genuinely creepy, with several tense scenes that had me completely hooked. There were also some surprisingly dark moments that I wasn’t expecting but really enjoyed.

Alexys and Nic had great banter and a fun rivals to lovers dynamic, although I found myself more invested in the mystery and horror elements than the romance. The first half is a little slow, and the ending felt slightly abrupt, but overall this was an incredibly strong debut that felt well thought out and unique.

If you enjoy cryptids, folklore, romance, and spooky mountain horror, this is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley!

This one really had me intrigued! It’s a work place romance but with a company who hunts monsters. We follow our FMC who works in Human Resources, one of her wardens goes missing and she sets out to find him in the Appalachian mountains. Little does she know, she will be set on the same path as her Research director, Nic Dyre. Who has his own agenda and knows more than he lets on.

A bit of a slow start and after a lot of arguing between each other, they finally head into the mountains filled with ghosts, monsters and crazy rabbits. I definitely enjoyed the horror elements in this but there were definitely parts where the FMC was doing the typical stupid things people do in horror movies that had you screaming at her to stop.

I enjoyed the dynamic between Alexys and Nic they had rivalry and good banter. I will say a lot of things Alexys did in the beginning were questionable and I did cringe when there was a L bomb dropped after a week.

Overall, this was definitely a fun read it still kinda feels cosy because of the urban elements even though it’s paranormal, graphic and does mention cults!? I’d say if you are into a lot of horror this is a cosier option. I really loved the Appalachian lore too.

The ending was an interesting way to take the series so I’m intrigued to see how it goes!

I adored this book's corporate cryptid and monster hunter vibe, as well as the fact that it takes place in the actual world and that Entity is a part of the contemporary world rather than a secret. The promise of cryptids and the Appalachians—two real-life topics that really intrigue me—were what drew me in to this novel, and I thought these aspects were done pretty well. As soon as the plot enters the woods, there is a strong sensation of dread, a constant sense of disorientation, and an all-encompassing darkness. Folklore and mystery abound in this region of the world, and I would have gladly included more of it in the narrative. I didn't require the romantic element of the novel, but Alexys and Nic were well-written, strong, and had unique characteristics that I could relate to. I am aware that there is a higher stakes involved when there is a budding romance, but I was more interested in the horrors in the mountains than in the feelings that were forming in private. However, Silas was the main attraction for me, and I would like to see more from him. The ending felt a little too abrupt after the gradual build-up which was necessary to introduce so many various elements, and I would have like more explanation for some of the subplots. However, I've heard whispers that this will be a series, so I'll be picking up the next one to see if I get those answers.

Emily Wilde if she was a corporate girly on the X Files.

HR Corporate Employee Alexys teams up with her annoying but handsome R&D co-worker to find a missing Warden. Set amongst a backdrop of the Appalachian mountains.

What you can expect: This book is a Rivals to Lovers slowburn and contains a good amount of references to cryptids and some extremely well tensioned and scary bits. I was not expecting my heart rate to pick up the way it did at certain points in their journey through the mountains but I was pleasantly surprised these parts were very well written. And there's some honest to god gory bits that were perfect

The book does not read like a debut novel, it has clearly been very well constructed and thought out and i was surprised when I checked what else Grace had written and found that this was the first book.

🏃🏻 Pacing - 3.75/5 - mostly great with some slower bits that didn't hold my attention as well
📈 Plot - 3.75/5 - like the pacing, mostly great with some issues towards the end (can't say exactly as it's a bit of a spoiler)
🗣️ Dialogue - 3/5 - sometimes the dialogue between characterd felt unnatural and a bit cheesy. The banter between Alexys and Nic could have been better. But as a debut novel I don't mind this.
🌶️ Spice - 0/5 no spice which is fine. I don't need spice to enjoy a book
🌍 World building - 5/5 The organisation Alexys and Nic work for Entity, was well fleshed out and setup nicely for the plot. The knowledge of cryptids was really fun to read about and the Appalachian Folklore was a nice change of pace from the norm.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6 stars!

I’m not exaggerating when I say (Mostly) Human Resources is AWESOME. Easily one of my favourite reads of the year and just a lot of fun. This gave me strong X-files vibes and as a lifelong fan of the show I loved it!

The cryptids we encounter are fairly terrifying, particularly the Jackalopes because like Alexys I would definitely have tried to befriend those bunny like monsters. I really liked Alexys dynamic with Nic and I really enjoyed their banter (very mulder and Scully).

I’m so excited that there will be another book in the series, I can’t wait to see the aftermath of Alexys and Silas’ bargain and hope she can befriend poor tragic Waylan more!

Who knew cosy horror was a thing and could be so feel-good.

Thank you to Aria and Aries, NetGalley and Grace Viall for the opportunity to read this ARC, I loved it!

Thank you Aria & Aries for the advanced copy of Mostly Human Resources by Grace Viall!

The premise of this book really tickled my fancy and I’m glad it delivered. A missing person’s case, romantic tension and super creepy scary critters of the Appalachian mountains tied this story up into a gorgeous cosy horror bow.

Alexys works for Entity, a corporate girlie working behind a desk in a company of folklore and legend. After one of her wardens goes missing, she finds herself thrust into the field in a terrifying attempt to locate him. Alarmingly for her, her coworker/rival/love interest comes along for the journey.

The world building as far as the business model of Entity is concerned is super clear and instantly understood. As a corporate girlie myself, it was easy to imagine myself in the offices of Entity, where instead of menial real life office tasks, I’m tracking monsters and their hunters all over the map.

The romance is a super slow burn, which is my personal preference as I enjoy relationships when they’re earned. The human aspect of the characters was also well written and I enjoyed their presence.

The stand out items for me was the immediate eerie atmosphere as soon as we set off into the woods. The creatures were a delicious level of creepy and spine tingling. I enjoyed them so much I wish we had even more!!

Though the main storyline was tied up by the end there is clear room for a sequel and for that I am glad. I’d read a whole series of Alexys and Nic working together to solve monster-mysteries, and hope that is the direction this author is heading in!

What a fun little oxymoron of a book! This book centres around Alexys, who works in Human Resources at a company called Entity! Entity are responsible for cataloguing and dealing with the monster population, both big and small, cute and scary. She’s got a lot going on has our Alexys, bless her! She has a workplace rival (Nic), her father was a Warden at Entity and died at work, she’s having horrific nightmares likely induced by an uncategorised monster, and now one of the wardens she manages and gone missing. She has no option but to go looking for him and that takes her up into the Appalachian mountains… with Nic! I love a workplace rival dynamic and this one was tense! Standard for cosy is the slower pacing and adventurous nature, mixed in were some horror vibes that I am absolutely here for! It made it feel very akin to a T. Kingfisher type vibe, although softer I’d say! I was roped in from the very beginning. The concept of the plot isn’t like any fantasies I’ve read before and I loved (and feared) the monsters and characters we encountered along the way. I found Alexys and Nic’s emotional journeys even more entertaining than their physical one through the woods. They’re both a bit broken, they both make questionable choices in very different ways and that’s something I always enjoy in characters!

I didn't realise that I needed cozy horror romance in my life but apparently I do because I loved this book !

We follow Alexys and her professional nemesis Dyre who work for a company called Entity . Entity catalogues and keeps an eye on monsters and cryptids via wardens who make sure that they don't 'disrupt' human life.

A warden has gone missing and so Alexys and Dyre venture out into the field for the first time , the field being the Appalachian Mountains to try and find him.

I loved the banter between Alexys and Dyre and appreciated that it was a slow burn and not insta love.
Add in some Witches and a bit of gore and I was sold !

This is a great debut and I will be at the front of the line for book 2 .

Thankyou to the Publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and the publisher.

I love a book about cryptids so I was really intrigued by this book that puts cryptids into a bureaucracy framework. Supernatural bureaucracy is something I’ve enjoyed in other books so this one felt like it was going to be a winner.

There was a lot I liked here, and I’ll be reading the next book in the series as I want to carry on with it. I liked the main character who really wants to do a good job. I liked the over zealous researcher. I liked all the cryptid content.

What this book did really well was merging the cryptid/supernatural elements with the mundane in a way that made them more unnerving. I want to avoid spoilers so I won’t go in to too much detail, but there were some appearances in unexpected ways that were quite uncanny. This was quite thrilling.

Although I liked the two main characters as individuals I really struggled with the romance due to the absolutely ridiculous violation of boundaries that happens quite early on in the book. This is regarding the hotel. Absolutely not, from then on I couldn’t see past the red flag that was continually waving.

Another thoroughly entertaining cryptid book, but one that takes a fun new spin on it through the lens of the corporate structure. I enjoyed this and I’ll be back for the next book.

This book was fun and a bit different - blending together fantasy elements, cosy elements along with horror and folklore. However the mismatch of all of them, whilst fun, sometimes felt like a bit too much. I got whiplash a few times and much as I was excited by the premise it offered, I feel like potentially the marketing missed the mark on what was actually happening in this book.

I love magical bureaucracy so I was super excited for a magical HR department and enjoyed the meandering slow burn of the story. I’d be interested in the sequel, but the actual magical HR side of things wasn’t quite what we got. The ending was pure fantasy in a realistic sense, but still an entertaining read.

(Mostly) Human Resources was not what I expected but I still loved it!

Going into the book I thought it was going to be fun, flirty and cozy with only theoretically high stakes. Think of Emily Wilde or Startup Hell. That was where I thought this was going. But oh, how wrong I was.

Though there are some light and fun moments, (Mostly) Human Resources is pretty dark and at times really scary — at least for a book that is not classified as horror. I sometimes had to stop reading it and pick up something lighter instead. The characters are really going through a lot and there is actual danger for them. And by the end of the book you can tell that the events really impacted them.

I really enjoyed that the romance part was such a slow burn. I had expected everything to progress pretty quickly but the pacing makes so much sense and leaves room for the rest of the story. From the acknowledgements I got the impression that the romance hadn't even been part of the story initially.

Not just the pacing of the romance was good but of the entire book — except maybe for the big dramatic scene near the end. I feel like that could have maybe been a little longer. Aside from that I was really pleasantly surprised that things didn't feel rushed and also didn't drag.

I also liked that the characters weren't perfect. I don't mean that they are clumsy or something minor like that. They are what I would define as morally grey (but not the kind of morally grey characters that go on killing sprees and are only nice to one person). They lie by omission for different reasons, they give the lifes of different people unequal value, and they knowingly break rules. But they reflect on their actions and thoughts. They're not just sociopaths that don't feel guilt, they are regular people in very difficult situations that they handle to their best abilities, and sometimes their best doesn't align with what society tells us is right.

The ending surprised me because I didn't go into the book with the knowledge that it was going to be book 1 of a trilogy. I had expected a standalone. But I'm really glad there will be two more books to explore the Appalachians and its cryptids. There are also a lot of unfinished storylines which again was a clever idea of the author. There is no huge cliffhanger but enough questions are unanswered that I definitely want to know what will happen next.

I will be buying a physical copy of the book and recommend it to other people. However, I will inform them that I would NOT classify it as cozy.

For a debut this is a really well-written and well-crafted book. I would have immediately believed if I had been told that it was the fourth or fifth book by the author. I'm excited to see where she takes things and if she can get even better as a writer.

One of my favourite books of the year! I started it late one evening and then ended up staying up half of the night to finish it.
My onlt regret is reading this so fast, because now I crave more and the wait for book 2 is killing me already.
This was such an incredibly creative and fun book. We've got workplace rivals to lovers (and the best slowburn), cryptic and creepy folklore.

This one is for everyone who loved browsing cryptozoology forums or r/nosleep stories.

I absolutely loved this book!

Going into it, I was expecting something much creepier and darker, but what I got was a brilliant mix of folklore, cryptids, mystery, humour, and adventure. The balance worked so well, with plenty of eerie moments and monster-filled tension, but also enough wit and banter to keep things fun.

The concept of a company dedicated to managing and cataloguing monsters and cryptids was such a unique idea, and I found myself completely invested in both the mystery and the world-building. The Appalachian setting added a wonderfully atmospheric backdrop, bringing the folklore and creatures to life.

I especially enjoyed the dynamic between Alexys and Nic. Their rivalry, banter, and slow-burn chemistry added another layer to the story without taking away from the mystery at its heart.

What really stood out to me was how entertaining the whole book was. It was fast-paced, easy to get lost in, and packed with enough strange creatures and intriguing lore to keep me turning the pages.

This was such a fun and memorable read, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the story goes next.
I'll definitely be picking up the next instalment. Highly recommended!

4.25 ⭐️

I absolutely loved this book and ended up reading it in around six hours because I simply couldn't put it down.

One of my favourite things about this book was the setting. The mysterious, atmospheric backdrop of the Appalachian Mountains was so cool and genuinely creepy at times, which worked perfectly for me as I've always been slightly terrified of them. The setting felt both fascinating and unsettling, adding so much tension to the story.

I also loved the concept of the story. A monster hunting agency is already such a fun idea, but making Alexys work in HR so perfect and unique. The mix of workplace drama and very real monster dangers was *chefs kiss*.

The relationship between Nic and Alexys was another huge highlight. Their banter had me giggling throughout, and I loved watching them grow from work nemeses into genuine friends. The romance was handled perfectly, it never took over the story and instead felt like a delicious little sprinkle on top. I love a slow burn, so now I desperately need book two because I am absolutely not done with these characters yet.

What really kept me hooked was the way the tone constantly surprised me. It felt fun, witty, and entertaining, and then suddenly something dark and genuinely scary would happen. Several moments completely shocked me in the best possible way and kept me desperate to know what would happen next.

Overall, this was an addictive, atmospheric read with fantastic character dynamics, great humour, and some wonderfully dark twists. I had an amazing time with it and can't wait to continue the series.

⭐️ 5/5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the chance to read this early.

How do I describe (Mostly) Human Resources? Imagine Supernatural but instead of going wherever they want, they work for a company, have to fill in reports, submit paperwork and ask permission from HR to go hunting.. and then replace Dean and Sam with workplace rivals with big Mulder and Scully energy, who are forced to work together to find a missing colleague in the Appalachian mountains, all whilst trying not to die at the hands of the various cryptids living there . That’s what (Mostly) Human Resources is. and I loved it!!!

This was such a good read. It was chaotic and wild, and whilst humorous, also very dark and serious, exploring guily, grief, loss and trauma. It also had everything a spooky lover could want - Appalachian folklore, cryptids, monsters, witches. ghosts and magic! Not to mention the rivals/enemies to lovers and the forced proximity!! Perfect.

What I really liked about this story was the world-building. Grace Viall has created such a fascinating world, in which monsters do exist and there are people out there hunting them (if the correct paperwork is submitted of course). I thought it was fantastically done, especially for a debut!! The idea to make monster hunting corporate is genius, and I was fully immersed in the company. My only complaint about the world-building is that I would have loved it to have been explored a bit more. Entity sounds fascinating, and I really enjoyed learning about it. I just wish we had more of it!! (I am aware there will be a sequel so please
include more Entity!). I also wish there were more monsters and cryptids, as I really enjoyed the scenes that included them, so would love to see more monster hunting in further books.

Alexys and Nic were good MCs and I liked their banter. TheyI liked the slow rise from complete hatred to dislike to like as they explored the wood and they reminded me a lot of Mulder (Nic) and Scully (Alexys) from The X-Files. I do think their relationship at the end felt slightly rushed, and it would have been lovey for them to have explored a friendship first before jumping straight into having feelings for each other. They are definitely not perfect people, but I liked that, as no one is perfect. It made them feel more realistic and relatable.

Overall, the writing was great and again, for a debut, I thought it was really well written. My only other negative is that I felt the ending was quife rushed. It left quite a lot of plot points unresolved/not thoroughly explained (the clean up crew for example. How did they know?? What do they do??) but hopefully these will be resolved in subsequent books. I did thoroughly enjoy the spooky vibes of this, it’s a perfect summerween/Halloween read and I really look forward to reading more of Alexys and Nic’s story.