The Novel Navigator

My friend Dylan asked for a book rec- something low/no spice but could have romance, funny, action and fantasy. While most of what I read is mid-high spice, I thought this was a good challenge for me and may help me reframe what I’ve already read in a new light. For example, the first book that came to mind was Shield of Sparrows. This book is a 11/10 for me, and while at first I would say it’s mid-spice, it’s really a slow burn with a little spice towards the end. It has great fantasy, tons of adventure and is just such a breath of fresh air. Off the bat, I recommended this one to Dylan with the caveat that it didn’t hit the humor part he was looking for. So now I’m reaching into the vault, doing a deep dive for something that may hit the spot. Here’s what I’ve come up with-

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer 

• I read this book and loved it! The FMC is a ray of sunshine, always helping others and sparking joy at every turn. She meets the Villain and after a series of events, is offered a job as his assistant! Little does he know, it’s a perfect match- she runs the show, keeping his whole operation running smoothly (singlehandedly may I add) and all of his employees love her. Over time, you find out that he doesn’t expressly know that but deep down he does and he slowly comes to realize it. It was truly laugh out loud funny and such a fun ride, ending on a great cliffhanger! However, only book 1 is on KU and 2 + 3 are not so I’ve yet to continue the series. BUT I WILL DON’T YOU WORRY

Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

• OKKKKKK so just listen…. this is book one, and it is definitely slowww burn and like minimum spice(ish). I know the next book(s) will get spicier and spicier just like Jasmine’s other series so be warned! And just like that other series, the characters are unhinged and their inner monologue is even more unhinged and absolutely hilarious. I CACKLE every other page while reading Jasmine’s series and everything she writes is an infinity/10 for me. I thoroughly enjoy the worlds she builds, the nut case characters she brings to life and the adventures you go on between the pages. Also YES, the spice when it gets spicy is very spicy… her 2 series are why-choose and the FMC has multiple partners so keep reading at your own discretion. However, in this first book of the series, Alexis the FMC does not have any partners (until the verrrryyyy end) cause they do be crazy men and she’s literally just a girl trying to survive a life or death spartan war academy and knows next to nothing because she always thought she was human (spoiler alert: she’s not!). She thinks she’s going to die around every corner (rightfully so) and her existential dread is off the rockers. Hope you get a chance to read anything and everything Jasmine Mas and love ’em just as much as I do! ❤