ARC Review: (Mostly) Human Resources by Grace Viall

(Mostly) Human Resources
Author: Grace Viall
Publication: Alcove Press (August 4, 2026)

Description: A debut slow-burn work-nemesis romance set in a world where cryptids and monsters are a part of life . . . and someone has to do the paperwork.

Working in human resources was not what Alexys had in mind when she joined Entity, the private company that categorizes and manages the world’s cryptids. But after her dad was killed on the job as a Warden in the Appalachian Mountains, she was filled with noble ideas of carrying on his legacy . . . from the safety of a desk. Alexys dreams of climbing the corporate ladder while managing the Appalachian Wardens and sparring with Nic, the frustrating (and annoyingly attractive) Director of Research and Cataloging.

When one of Alexys’s new Wardens goes missing after inquiring about a mysterious and highly dangerous monster, her chances of promotion disappear along with him. Determined to save her career—and to shield the Warden’s family from the trauma she experienced after losing her father on the job—she marches off into the monster-infested wilderness to find him herself.

Meanwhile, Nic, with ambitions of becoming the youngest Entity employee to discover a new monster, follows Alexys on her hunt. But the work nemeses are about to discover why the Appalachian Mountains are the last place you want to find yourself after dark. Among mountains older than bones, the jackalopes and ghouls are the least of their worries . . .

My Thoughts: Alexys Keane works for Entity, a private company that categorizes and manages the world's cryptids, in the Human Resources Department. Her father was a Warden who was killed in the line of duty. She wants to honor his memory by working for the same company, but she doesn't want a file job as a Warden. She prefers managing other Wardens. 

When one of her Wardens goes missing, Alexys is forced into the field to track down what happened to him. He went off chasing a new monster even after she told him not to do so. The monster Elliot went chasing is one that Nic who is in charge of research has been researching for many years. Finding proof of its existence would do great things for his career. So, he heads off to the field to "help" Alexys.

Alexys doesn't want help from her annoying colleague. But she's not a field worker and Nic does have those skills. The two find themselves in the Appalachians and surrounded by more monsters than either of them ever anticipated. Along the way, Alexys discovers that beneath his annoying mannerisms is a man she could fall in love with if they both survive. 

I enjoyed the variety of cryptids in the story and the adventures the characters had. The descriptions of the landscapes and the inclusions of a wide variety of mythological creatures made the story interesting to read. I also liked the way the relationship grew between Alexys and Nic as they were forced to work together if either was to survive.

I did think that the ending of the story was a little abrupt with some pretty major issues left unresolved. However, indications are that this is the first of a series. Also, the description states that this is a romantic fantasy, but it seems rather short on romance for that category. Fantasy, yes. Romantic fantasy, not so much. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.