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