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thebiglittlelibrary's Reviews (622)
2.5 ⭐ A low-stakes, cozy fantasy with a sprinkle of romance and a dollop of mystery but sadly it wasn’t my cup of tea
She was everything he never deserved but longed for anyways.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cozy fantasy
✨ office romance
✨ grumpy boss x sunshine assistant
✨ instant chemistry
✨ loads of tension
✨ 'I hate everyone but her'
✨ idiots to not quite lovers (yet)
✨ NO SPICE
✨ magic and mayhem
✨ mystery plot
✨ low stakes
✨ shocking plot twist
✨ cliffhanger ending
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: past attempted SA, death of family member, blood, gore, torture
My Thoughts:
I've watched a lot of Hannah's Assistant to the Villain TikTok videos since the beginning, and was really excited about this book. Overall, it was pretty good for a debut novel. While it had its moments, I thought it was quite forgettable. So let's dive into the things I liked and didn't like:
What I liked:
The romance premise was cute. I'm a huge fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope and thought it was a fun, fresh idea to portray this in a fantasy world with a boss x assistant dynamic.
The Villain was the most interesting character. And I like that we slowly learn about his background and motive throughout the story. I'm glad some of the chapters were from his POV but honestly wish there had been more. Also, he calls Evie 'little tornado' and that was super cute.
What really surprised me in the best way possible was the mystery plot that ended with an insane twist and cliffhanger ending! I truly did not see any of that coming, and honestly, it was the most interesting thing about the book. The ending alone might have made me pick up the next book, if it weren't for some of my points below.
What I didn't liked:
It was alluded to that this story would be adult. However, it reads more YA. I guess if you think gore and cursing automatically puts a book in the adult genre, then yeah, this is adult. But since it's marketed as a romantasy, I was expecting spice, when in fact, there is none. It was just incredibly frustrating and boring reading about adult characters who like each other from the beginning of the story but refuse to admit they like each other. There were so many moments when the tension was high and I thought something would happen but then . . . nothing. I mean, there is a kiss, but even that wasn't done with a romantic purpose. It sometimes felt forced not having anything physical happen between Evie and the Villain.
So is this a romantasy? No, it's really a fantasy with elements of romance. I think there should have been a quicker progression of the romance and a little bit of spice (like at least a hardcore make-out session or some heavy petting after putting us through 340 pages of them fighting their attraction), and since that didn't happen, there should have been more suspense and drama with the mystery plot.
Okay, let's talk about the world building. What we were given was adequate, but it was kind of generic and there wasn't a lot of depth. Honestly, the entire world is forgettable. I honestly can't tell you which kingdom or the town this takes place in or the name of the Villain's home (which is mentioned a bunch). I was reading for the romance but the romance was boring, and the world building wasn't interesting enough, so unfortunately it all just sort of fell flat.
This book was also supposed to be 'laugh out loud' funny, when in reality, I didn't laugh once. I might have awkwardly cringe out of embarrassment for some of the characters but sadly, the humor wasn't my cup of tea. If anything, I found the Villain to be a bit funny - with his unpleasant, gruff replies and standoffish demeanor - whenever he interacted with Evie. But again, it was never lol kind of funny.
I get that Evie is meant to be this sunshine assistant, but did she have to come across so ditsy and annoying? She was just very child-like in her interactions with people, and was sort of in her own little bubble. And then whenever she thought, "He should scare me but doesn't. . . huh I wonder what that means" (and she thinks this A LOT), I couldn't help but roll my eyes. First off, this makes her seem like an idiot. And second, at this point the author is just holding the readers hand here, which is super irritating.
This book sometimes felt disjointed with the office shenanigans or Evie and the Villains random interactions. I don't know if I can quite explain this, but there were just a few instances I thought, "Hmmm this seems unnecessary but maybe this was done to create a small, comical or awkward situation the MCs will have the deal navigate through." Like when we find out the Villain sleeps with a nightlight because he's afraid of the dark? First off, ew, that's unattractive. And second, this is just another situation where the story felt more like YA versus adult.
Look, regardless of the things I didn't like, the book was fine. I read it in one sitting and survived. There wasn't a lot of substance and it was definitely too long, but I didn't want to throw the book across the room or set it on fire. So it is at least entertaining enough and readable. But do I want to read it again? No. Do I want to continue the series? Unfortunately, no. But I do want to read a summary of what happens next. Would I recommend this to you? Maybe, if you want to read a low-stakes fantasy where nothing important happens for 80% of the book. It's not bad, but there's definitely better books out there I would prefer to spend time on.
Thank you Red Tower Books for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
My Favorite Quotes:
"I would never make the mistake of underestimating a woman like you. It would be a fatal one."
_______
It was ironic that the man who dealt with so much death seemed to have brought her back to life...
_______
"No, no, sir, we meant you no harm. Please, please let us go."
"You meant her harm. . . And that is enough for me."
And then he shoved the blade into the man's chest, piercing is heart and killing him instantly.
_______
She wasn't light; she was color. Every single one, dancing otherworldly and bright over his unworthy eyes. She was the explosion of the vivid gleams and glows of the world around him, like a constant rainbow, shining not after the rain but during.
_______
"We're all monsters in the end. At least mine lives in the light."
_______
She was everything he never deserved but longed for anyways.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cozy fantasy
✨ office romance
✨ grumpy boss x sunshine assistant
✨ instant chemistry
✨ loads of tension
✨ 'I hate everyone but her'
✨ idiots to not quite lovers (yet)
✨ NO SPICE
✨ magic and mayhem
✨ mystery plot
✨ low stakes
✨ shocking plot twist
✨ cliffhanger ending
✨ dual POV
✨ TW: past attempted SA, death of family member, blood, gore, torture
My Thoughts:
I've watched a lot of Hannah's Assistant to the Villain TikTok videos since the beginning, and was really excited about this book. Overall, it was pretty good for a debut novel. While it had its moments, I thought it was quite forgettable. So let's dive into the things I liked and didn't like:
What I liked:
The romance premise was cute. I'm a huge fan of the grumpy x sunshine trope and thought it was a fun, fresh idea to portray this in a fantasy world with a boss x assistant dynamic.
The Villain was the most interesting character. And I like that we slowly learn about his background and motive throughout the story. I'm glad some of the chapters were from his POV but honestly wish there had been more. Also, he calls Evie 'little tornado' and that was super cute.
What really surprised me in the best way possible was the mystery plot that ended with an insane twist and cliffhanger ending! I truly did not see any of that coming, and honestly, it was the most interesting thing about the book. The ending alone might have made me pick up the next book, if it weren't for some of my points below.
What I didn't liked:
It was alluded to that this story would be adult. However, it reads more YA. I guess if you think gore and cursing automatically puts a book in the adult genre, then yeah, this is adult. But since it's marketed as a romantasy, I was expecting spice, when in fact, there is none. It was just incredibly frustrating and boring reading about adult characters who like each other from the beginning of the story but refuse to admit they like each other. There were so many moments when the tension was high and I thought something would happen but then . . . nothing. I mean, there is a kiss, but even that wasn't done with a romantic purpose. It sometimes felt forced not having anything physical happen between Evie and the Villain.
So is this a romantasy? No, it's really a fantasy with elements of romance. I think there should have been a quicker progression of the romance and a little bit of spice (like at least a hardcore make-out session or some heavy petting after putting us through 340 pages of them fighting their attraction), and since that didn't happen, there should have been more suspense and drama with the mystery plot.
Okay, let's talk about the world building. What we were given was adequate, but it was kind of generic and there wasn't a lot of depth. Honestly, the entire world is forgettable. I honestly can't tell you which kingdom or the town this takes place in or the name of the Villain's home (which is mentioned a bunch). I was reading for the romance but the romance was boring, and the world building wasn't interesting enough, so unfortunately it all just sort of fell flat.
This book was also supposed to be 'laugh out loud' funny, when in reality, I didn't laugh once. I might have awkwardly cringe out of embarrassment for some of the characters but sadly, the humor wasn't my cup of tea. If anything, I found the Villain to be a bit funny - with his unpleasant, gruff replies and standoffish demeanor - whenever he interacted with Evie. But again, it was never lol kind of funny.
I get that Evie is meant to be this sunshine assistant, but did she have to come across so ditsy and annoying? She was just very child-like in her interactions with people, and was sort of in her own little bubble. And then whenever she thought, "He should scare me but doesn't. . . huh I wonder what that means" (and she thinks this A LOT), I couldn't help but roll my eyes. First off, this makes her seem like an idiot. And second, at this point the author is just holding the readers hand here, which is super irritating.
This book sometimes felt disjointed with the office shenanigans or Evie and the Villains random interactions. I don't know if I can quite explain this, but there were just a few instances I thought, "Hmmm this seems unnecessary but maybe this was done to create a small, comical or awkward situation the MCs will have the deal navigate through." Like when we find out the Villain sleeps with a nightlight because he's afraid of the dark? First off, ew, that's unattractive. And second, this is just another situation where the story felt more like YA versus adult.
Look, regardless of the things I didn't like, the book was fine. I read it in one sitting and survived. There wasn't a lot of substance and it was definitely too long, but I didn't want to throw the book across the room or set it on fire. So it is at least entertaining enough and readable. But do I want to read it again? No. Do I want to continue the series? Unfortunately, no. But I do want to read a summary of what happens next. Would I recommend this to you? Maybe, if you want to read a low-stakes fantasy where nothing important happens for 80% of the book. It's not bad, but there's definitely better books out there I would prefer to spend time on.
Thank you Red Tower Books for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! As always, all opinions are my own.
My Favorite Quotes:
"I would never make the mistake of underestimating a woman like you. It would be a fatal one."
_______
It was ironic that the man who dealt with so much death seemed to have brought her back to life...
_______
"No, no, sir, we meant you no harm. Please, please let us go."
"You meant her harm. . . And that is enough for me."
And then he shoved the blade into the man's chest, piercing is heart and killing him instantly.
_______
She wasn't light; she was color. Every single one, dancing otherworldly and bright over his unworthy eyes. She was the explosion of the vivid gleams and glows of the world around him, like a constant rainbow, shining not after the rain but during.
_______
"We're all monsters in the end. At least mine lives in the light."
_______
4 ⭐ The beginning was slow, but I loved the story once Rokan and Lila finally get together.
"My heart, I sign to her. You are my heart.
I know, she signs back, and I'm keeping it."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ alien romance
✨ mars needs women trope
✨ fated mates
✨ hero x damsel in distress
✨ he falls first
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ language barrier
✨ deaf rep
✨ they're both virgins
✨ 2.5/5 spice
"My heart, I sign to her. You are my heart.
I know, she signs back, and I'm keeping it."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ alien romance
✨ mars needs women trope
✨ fated mates
✨ hero x damsel in distress
✨ he falls first
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ language barrier
✨ deaf rep
✨ they're both virgins
✨ 2.5/5 spice
4.5 ⭐️ Such a fantastic ending to Zarrah and Keris’ story!
This has less spice than their first book BUT more action, twists, and turns! It was so much fun diving back into this world! Zarrah and Keris both learn to become the best version of themselves and make difficult decisions for the good of their people. Loved seeing them grow individually and as a couple. Keris’ absolute dedication and love for Zarrah melt my heart.
This has less spice than their first book BUT more action, twists, and turns! It was so much fun diving back into this world! Zarrah and Keris both learn to become the best version of themselves and make difficult decisions for the good of their people. Loved seeing them grow individually and as a couple. Keris’ absolute dedication and love for Zarrah melt my heart.
3.5 ⭐️ That was unhinged and shockingly sexy. I had fun.
"Darling, if I'm the dark, then you're the stars."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ dark contemporary, Peter Pan romance
✨ broody, scarred, crime boss villain
✨ innocent, sweet, (somewhat naive) heiress
✨ she's 20 years old, he's 26 years old
✨ insta-lust
✨ revenge plot to lovers
✨ "touch her and you die"
✨ loss of virginity
✨ 4/5 smut
"Darling, if I'm the dark, then you're the stars."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ dark contemporary, Peter Pan romance
✨ broody, scarred, crime boss villain
✨ innocent, sweet, (somewhat naive) heiress
✨ she's 20 years old, he's 26 years old
✨ insta-lust
✨ revenge plot to lovers
✨ "touch her and you die"
✨ loss of virginity
✨ 4/5 smut
3 ⭐️ Honestly, it wasn’t a bad story, just forgettable.
"I never really lived before you. And I don't want to imagine living after you."
I'm writing this review three weeks after reading it, and I genuinely don't remember any specific details. Luckily, I take notes on my Kindle, so I'll be referring to those.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ new york city settings
✨ gossip girl society vibes
✨ he's a stoic, British billionaire (soon-to-be) CEO
✨ she's a carefree, sassy bartender with a pet snake
✨ opposite attract
✨ forbidden romance
✨ ages 28 and 32
✨ denial of feelings
✨ slight miscommunication and hidden pasts
✨ "good girl"
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ third act breakup
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I know whenever I pick up an Ana Huang book, I'll have a good time. So even if this wasn't a 5-star read for me, nor do I remember much of it, I enjoyed the story.
Kai and Isabella were fun MCs to get to know. I loved how cool, calm, and collected Kai is while handling business and how he tends to lose some of his control with Isabella. There's nothing like a man obsessed. Isabella is feisty, smart, and incredibly funny. I admire her work ethic and how she values her independence - it was interesting learning about her past.
The romance was explosive. The one thing I can always count on Ana Huang to do is create amazing tension between the MCs and the perfect moment when they finally collide. And the smut was pretty good. I can't decide which scene was my favorite: the piano or the barbershop bar scene. Both were HOT!
"I never really lived before you. And I don't want to imagine living after you."
I'm writing this review three weeks after reading it, and I genuinely don't remember any specific details. Luckily, I take notes on my Kindle, so I'll be referring to those.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ new york city settings
✨ gossip girl society vibes
✨ he's a stoic, British billionaire (soon-to-be) CEO
✨ she's a carefree, sassy bartender with a pet snake
✨ opposite attract
✨ forbidden romance
✨ ages 28 and 32
✨ denial of feelings
✨ slight miscommunication and hidden pasts
✨ "good girl"
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ third act breakup
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I know whenever I pick up an Ana Huang book, I'll have a good time. So even if this wasn't a 5-star read for me, nor do I remember much of it, I enjoyed the story.
Kai and Isabella were fun MCs to get to know. I loved how cool, calm, and collected Kai is while handling business and how he tends to lose some of his control with Isabella. There's nothing like a man obsessed. Isabella is feisty, smart, and incredibly funny. I admire her work ethic and how she values her independence - it was interesting learning about her past.
The romance was explosive. The one thing I can always count on Ana Huang to do is create amazing tension between the MCs and the perfect moment when they finally collide. And the smut was pretty good. I can't decide which scene was my favorite: the piano or the barbershop bar scene. Both were HOT!
2.75 ⭐️ This was a pretty cute novella for a monster romance
I needed something silly and lighthearted with a bit of smut, and this was it.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ office romance
✨ orc x human
✨ She’s a workaholic, uptight HR employee
✨ he’s a shy, sweet IT employee
✨ accidental mating bond
✨ 2/5 spice
✨ elevator sex
✨ third act breakup
✨ HEA
I adored the MMC, Khent.
I needed something silly and lighthearted with a bit of smut, and this was it.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ office romance
✨ orc x human
✨ She’s a workaholic, uptight HR employee
✨ he’s a shy, sweet IT employee
✨ accidental mating bond
✨ 2/5 spice
✨ elevator sex
✨ third act breakup
✨ HEA
I adored the MMC, Khent.
3 ⭐️ Lighthearted, low stakes, and sexy, but predictable plot and somewhat repetitive smut
”Love isn’t a strong enough word for what I feel for you, Kaethe. My mate, my akorzag. I’m obsessed, I’ll do anything, kill anyone for you.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ monster romance (orc and human)
✨ she’s a sweet pink haired alchemist on a mission
✨ he’s a dominating, grumpy, yet kind orc general
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ idiots to lovers
✨ he thinks she’s a spy
✨ fated mates
✨ sharing a saddle trope
✨ one-bed trope
✨ body heat trope
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ “you can take it” (he’s got a massive c0ck)
✨ loss of virginity (FMC)
✨ kinks: praise, spanking, breeding, cum tasting, anilingus and other ass play
✨ secrets and lies of omission
✨ miscommunication
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
This was a pretty simple and predictable story, but I enjoyed the continued world-building and the MCs.
Bazur is the epitome of a grumpy cinnamon roll hero and Kaethe is an independent, loyal sweetheart. She does sometimes act foolish and naïve, which annoyed me, especially since she’s supposed to be an intelligent alchemist, but Kaethe was in a completely different environment than she’s used to so I get it.
The subplot about Kaethe finding her brother was pretty good since it allowed the reader to connect with Kaethe and learn more about her past and how that affects her outlook on life now. I was expecting a more difficult lead-up to the end of this conflict but the resolution was simple and sweet.
The subplot with King Vorgak was interesting world-building-wise, but I wished there would have been a bit more hands-on drama with him. And the resolution to this conflict at the end was so rushed when it should have taken more than one chapter. It’s done well for how quickly things get resolved, but it didn’t really make an impression because the drama was fleeting.
I loved Zarod and Mornga so much even though they were side characters with only a few scenes.
”Love isn’t a strong enough word for what I feel for you, Kaethe. My mate, my akorzag. I’m obsessed, I’ll do anything, kill anyone for you.”
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ monster romance (orc and human)
✨ she’s a sweet pink haired alchemist on a mission
✨ he’s a dominating, grumpy, yet kind orc general
✨ grumpy x sunshine
✨ idiots to lovers
✨ he thinks she’s a spy
✨ fated mates
✨ sharing a saddle trope
✨ one-bed trope
✨ body heat trope
✨ 3/5 spice
✨ “you can take it” (he’s got a massive c0ck)
✨ loss of virginity (FMC)
✨ kinks: praise, spanking, breeding, cum tasting, anilingus and other ass play
✨ secrets and lies of omission
✨ miscommunication
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
This was a pretty simple and predictable story, but I enjoyed the continued world-building and the MCs.
Bazur is the epitome of a grumpy cinnamon roll hero and Kaethe is an independent, loyal sweetheart. She does sometimes act foolish and naïve, which annoyed me, especially since she’s supposed to be an intelligent alchemist, but Kaethe was in a completely different environment than she’s used to so I get it.
The subplot about Kaethe finding her brother was pretty good since it allowed the reader to connect with Kaethe and learn more about her past and how that affects her outlook on life now. I was expecting a more difficult lead-up to the end of this conflict but the resolution was simple and sweet.
The subplot with King Vorgak was interesting world-building-wise, but I wished there would have been a bit more hands-on drama with him. And the resolution to this conflict at the end was so rushed when it should have taken more than one chapter. It’s done well for how quickly things get resolved, but it didn’t really make an impression because the drama was fleeting.
I loved Zarod and Mornga so much even though they were side characters with only a few scenes.
3 ⭐️ a cute, short, alien romance with western vibes
"He did not deserve her, but he would make her happy. He would not fail her as he had failed so many others."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town/western alien romance
✨ strong, kind, older (30s) human heroine
✨ possessive, ex-military commander hero
✨ married couple
✨ no third act breakup
✨ found family
✨ open door romance (light smut)
✨ one thurst climax
✨ somnophelia
✨ pregnancy trope
✨ tw: war ptsd
My Thoughts:
This was a quick read - very simple and low stakes. I had a fun time, but it wasn’t anything special.
I enjoyed the found family trope with Artek and the rest of his 'brothers'. I'm mostly curious to learn about Frantor's story since I love a sweet, damaged hero.
It's an open door romance, but the scenes are very short and not too descriptive. The one thing that's just ridiculous is that the heroine cums after one thrust. But hey it's an alien romance so I guess his dick is just that good.
I'm not sure I care enough to read the next in the series, but it was a nice story after being so disappointed with my last few reads.
"He did not deserve her, but he would make her happy. He would not fail her as he had failed so many others."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ small town/western alien romance
✨ strong, kind, older (30s) human heroine
✨ possessive, ex-military commander hero
✨ married couple
✨ no third act breakup
✨ found family
✨ open door romance (light smut)
✨ one thurst climax
✨ somnophelia
✨ pregnancy trope
✨ tw: war ptsd
My Thoughts:
This was a quick read - very simple and low stakes. I had a fun time, but it wasn’t anything special.
I enjoyed the found family trope with Artek and the rest of his 'brothers'. I'm mostly curious to learn about Frantor's story since I love a sweet, damaged hero.
It's an open door romance, but the scenes are very short and not too descriptive. The one thing that's just ridiculous is that the heroine cums after one thrust. But hey it's an alien romance so I guess his dick is just that good.
I'm not sure I care enough to read the next in the series, but it was a nice story after being so disappointed with my last few reads.
