Hauntings&Company

by Lizzie Strong

Hauntings&Company is an underdog retail business struggling to expand. Markus Hauntings, the owner, has to face the fact: as a Magic-wielding Psionic Zillth, aka a Destroyer, (Purple, tentacles, scary, imposing) he might be driving potential clients away with his villainous looks. That's why his second in command hires Ophelia Dawn, a beautiful, bubbly half-elf. Markus knows the second he sees her that he's in trouble, he's smitten at first glance. He's hesitant to hire her until he realizes, she too is on her last leg. As a warlock of Cthulhu, it's hard to find work in King's Fall. And a girl's gotta eat.

A whirlwind of learning to trust, learning the game of retail, and learning how to market a company full of 'bad guys'. Yet Ophelia never flinches away from the challenge and rises to the challenge of being the best assistant a Destroyer could ask for... if only he could keep his budding romantic feelings from escaping. This would be so much easier if she didn't wear her heart on her sleeve and fill the air with her desire like an intoxicating scent. Can the company survive this delicious affair?

Genres: Monster Romance, Romance, Paranormal, Ebooks, Workplace, Fantasy Romance, Monsters

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2022

About the author

Lizzie Strong is A Monster Romance Author, where the monsters are spooky scary, and the romance is cute and cuddly. Queer Representation, Smink ;) friendly, consent heavy. A Florida swamp gremlin masquerading as a functioning human and author. The DM for a D&D podcast, previous retail and restaurant manager, constant worry wort, and romantic, Lizzie is always in between a brilliant idea and a dumb one. Inclusive books with magical nonsense, filled with monsters (you may or may not love) and mayhem. Find out more about her, the books coming out, and her nonsense at lizziestrongauthor.com

Reviews

[Ravyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Monster x half elf.
Boss/ employee dynamic.

This follows a half elf and half human Warlock who gained a high and power deity when she was a young child. Trying to find a job that will accept her and her..flaws...

and a wigglyboy who's species is known for destroying when he's just a down to earth creature. I loved reading about how they come to be.


I adored this book so much. I love the main two characters. The writing was amazing. The characters and plot. I literally have nothing to complain about. Can't wait for more. <3

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy monster smut with a creative monster

I really enjoyed this book and the creative tentacle faced monster with his grumpy quiet ways. Markus was precious and had a terrible self image, just like Ophelia. They both had horrible pasts but came out of it genuinely kind people. I enjoyed the casual queerness as well. Ophelia was the embodiment of sunshine and came into her power (not magic powers, she already had those figured out) as the book went on.
The world was unique, engaging, and as prejudiced as the world we live in today.

Spice: 4.5/5

Triggers: emotional abuse, mental abuse, animal attack (off page), possession by eldritch god, mind control, stalking (not by MCs), voyeurism (not by MCs), attempted murder

[Stephanie Crosslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Lizzie on TikTok yesterday, and I will say that I'm completely impressed! I love a good book with a curvey FMC, but add in monsters AND spicy sexuality?! Yay!

[Lala · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐

First time I've read a story with an Elf character, but Ophelia was an enjoyable character. Markus too! It's Ophelia's mean manipulative mother that upset me. Outside of her, Ophelia and Markus' story was cozy and nice for me.

[YarnWyvern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel forever BLESSED to be an ARC reader for Lizzie.

This story was fun. Monsters are my jam.

We got a lil office thing going on (boss/employee) which normally isn’t my thing (power dynamics and all) but it was literally handled so well, and the characters TALK ABOUT THE POWER DYNAMICS AND ALSJSOSBSKS. I LOVED IT.

I cannot wait for more in this world 🥰


Check triggers and content warnings as per usual. This is 18+. And Monster. We got tentacles okay?


Also this part is for Lizzie: YOU MADE ME CRY AND YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHEN. I WAS SOBBING UNCONTROLLABLY. I SCARED MY DOGS. But all is forgiven if you give me more in this world okay? Okay 😎

[KC · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF 25-30% in. I could have probably? Finished or been more into it if there was clearer world building. It’s a big world without clear lines. Everyone is afraid of the destroyer; is it because he’s a destroyer or because he was a warlord who is eating their loved ones’ brains. If you don’t know inherently the creatures they’re talking about you’ll be completely lost.
Or are humans afraid of them and that’s why the business is struggling? What was the war over?

I had a lot of background questions and not a ton of the background I needed.

[Kelspar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really rarely, if ever, purchase books. Last year I purchased How to Marry a Litch and absolutely loved it, I immediately bought this after. But you know when you love a book so much you save the next one? I saved this for a year and it was just collecting dust in my kindle, but on a complete whim I decided to start it yesterday, and I'm so freaking happy I did!! I really enjoyed this.

There is just something about this world/universe that feels really unique to me. I like the contrast of super sweet romance in a dark world. In this universe a bunch of different monsters exist, and they all act like monsters, it's fun.

I really like the writing voice (and just the way Strong writes), it flows so easily when I read it. This book just flew by. The characters are so over the top, but not too much or in an annoying way, just very eccentric. Just a really fun reading experience, and that's what makes a book good in my eyes. Wasn't perfect, but I don't care, I enjoyed reading it immensely.

[Ashley Merrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay! So hear me out…this book gave me EVERYTHING!!! Joy, anxiety, anger, tears, happiness. Marcus was so sweet and loving and kind and the love he has for Ophelia was so touching!! Ophelia was sweet and quirky and I’m so proud of her for FINALLY standing up to her mom. Kayla and Kierson were great characters and I’m secretly (not so secretly) hoping for their own story! And lavender….was a terrible human and I hate her.

I absolutely loved everything about this book. Lizzie is such an amazing author and i can’t wait to see what else she comes out with!

[Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put down this book, this is my fave monster romance book this year.

Markus and Ophelia’s love story, omg all the feels there. Two lonely broken souls feeling unwanted, alone and they find each other. By finding each other, they find their worth and value and true love. They say opposites attract, this is them to a T! She’s bubble and talkative, while he is quiet and brooding.

Lizzie I love your writing and can’t wait for future books!

Spice-🌶🌶🌶

Triggers-

Monsters/Elf (this is fantasy)
Boss/employee relationship
Childhood trauma

[Lil Red Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far I am loving this world Lizzie has created. Markus and Ophelia adventure was a nice ride, these characters hooked me. I loved them so much. I was t quite ready for it to end. I also just love it when the scariest monsters end up being cinnamon rolls. I have yet to read the first in the King’s Fall series but it looks awesome and is already on my TBR. Also holding out for a scary teddy bear 🥺. Can’t wait for more from this author. 🥰🥰

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listen, I mostly read this book because the guy reminded me of Zoidberg from Futurama 😂 It was actually cute story, very detailed which for my preference ended up making it a bit difficult to read and it’s such a vast universe that for a one off read, found it a bit of a drag to read. But for those who like these sorts of worlds would really enjoy it! Also the tentacles were fun to read ngl 😂
Love the relationship between the two main characters!

[Hard Back Life · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great monster book. I loved the theme of self love and acceptance in this book. The FMC is amazing, I absolutely adore her personality and how with help from the MMC she learns to stand up for herself and fight. The two are meant to be together and despite people trying to sabotage them, they are willing to give up anything to keep the other happy.

[Gigglez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie Strong has done it again!
I could not put this book down and absolutely loved Ophelia and Markus. Not gonna lie this book made me tear up a little and I could definitely relate to some of Ophelia’s trouble with her horrible mother. Markus (wiggleboy) was such a cupcake and I was so here for it

I will definitely be recommending hauntings&company

[brooke_and_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 5 star read through and through!

First, the characters were absolutely amazing and even after the story was over I still wanted more from Markus and Ophelia. I fell head over heels for both of these characters.

I could truly relate to Ophelia(even though she is a half elf in this completely different world) She has a very troubled relationship with family and I felt that struggle and could relate to her emotions. Her story made me feel emotional, I rooted for her and even cried(chapter 7 will get you) I was absolutely invested in Ophelia from the beginning and wanted to see her succeed in her world.

Now our mmc Markus! He is completely and totally the grump to Ophelia’s sunshine, but when he meets her….
I smiled the entire time. His species is known for being destroyers. Emotionless. Markus is anything but that. He really does care. I immediately knew he would be added to my list of Book Boyfriends.

If you love monster romance and an incredible storyline with twist and emotions I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.

[Ashton Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie did it again she writes some of the best monster I cannot wait to read more of her books

[Deborah Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passion dark and deep

Good lord, the tentacle action was pristine.
How Ophelia got to be such a bubble of happiness I can never understand. Markus and Cthulhu were the baddest MFr’s ever!
I lived for Hauntings & Co.
Every new book in the Kings Fall series is outstanding!
So cute, so much romance 💝

[Astra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Monster Office Romance at its finest!

Markus and Ophelia are amazing characters, with phenomenal chemistry! Honestly everything I wanted in a Boss/Employee and such a good introduction to monster romance. There are so many well written and enjoyable characters.

Markus has a heart of gold and Ophelia is such a sweetheart, they make such an adorable couple and the spice is so good, (many tentacles)! Check your trigger warnings!

[BriBiscuit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curse you Lizzie Strong for making me fall head over heels yet again for another monster ahaha xD Markus is a walking green flag, the greenest of green flags I have ever seen and possibly will ever see! Like all of her books, this gem by Strong within a few pages teleported me back into the world of King's Fall where we meet an immensely talented half-elf warlock named Ophelia. Who may I add my heart bled for as I could relate to her struggles of being put down, belittled and forced to feel like she was never enough due to her horrid mother. Yet despite every curve ball her mother threw at her she survived and became stronger, to stand up for not only herself but what she believed in and whom she deeply cared for. I became Ophelia's number one fan, constantly cheering her on, and hoping she would experience nothing less than the best. Oh me oh my did she find the absolute best! In a well dress and even more well-mannered Zilith named Markus. Who I have already raved about being the greenest flag to ever exist, to be honest if it wasn’t for the reminders of his purple hued skin I would have pictured him as green ahaha xD He seemed to be the perfect man from tentacle to toe with strong magic and a good heart to give those who suffered from prejudice from the elitist assholes in the realm a real chance and opportunity to show off their talents at his company. The parallels between him and Ophelia were clear as day to me, as they both struggled to be tolerated let alone accepted for who/what they are. I adored every interaction between the two of them, as they seemed to fit together like they were made for one another. Two halves to one whole, and I couldn’t get enough of them with their adorable flirtations and enticing spicier moments(which often made me like Markus more and more). The world building was well done as it has become a town I've started to feel familiar with after reading multiple of Strong's books, and cannot wait to read more as her writing style flows beautifully and is honestly addicting. The twists in the story kept me on my toes especially (semi spoiler ahead) towards the end of the book when Markus & Lavender 'talked'… ooo did I wat to jump into the book and beat that woman silly! I was practically shaking my laptop and wanting to smack Markus upside the head for not immediately telling Ophelia! Ooooo I went from all bubbly and giddy from how well their story was going all too easy, just to be thrown to the wolves and then nervously speed read the rest!(end of spoiler talk) Before I knew it I was whisked into witnessing Ophelia be the badass she is and saving the day to secure the happy ending I craved so badly to read. I wish their story continued on for hundreds of more pages, but I'm happy to know I see them pop up in her other book How to Marry a Lich(might have to re-read it for the fourth time haha) ;D !!
Once I own the physical copies of her delicious books I will be immediately rereading each of them to relive the beautifully intoxicating stories of the couples in King's Fall!
I am on the edge of seat waiting to see what she will write next, and be brought back to this other-worldly town that I can’t seem to get enough of :) Thank you for introducing me to monster romance Lizzie Strong!! Ever since I first read How to Marry A Lich(I have read it about three times now) I can’t seem to get enough of this delectable genre! You are my favorite monster romance author <3
5/5 tentacles ;D Another amazing book by the amazingly talented Lizzie Strong! :D <3

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy an MMC with tentacles, this book is for you. It’s a standalone in the King’s Fall series, which, according to the author, can be read in any order. I started with How to Marry a Lich, which included minor spoilers for Hauntings. After loving Lich, I’m now working through the series in publication order.

This book is an extra-spicy, fun workplace fantasy set in the magical realm of King’s Fall. The FMC is a ray of sunshine who just happens to have sold her soul to Cthulhu. The MMC is a terrifying, tentacle-faced Destroyer who also happens to be a cinnamon roll with a heart of gold.

The story takes some unexpected turns, featuring fantastic world-building, a rich magic system, and well-developed characters. The series also has a gothic or macabre undertone, with dark magic frequently wielded by sparkling characters, an element I absolutely love.

Spice 5/5
Plot 4.5/5
Writing 4/5
My Enjoyment 4.5/5

Series in publication order:
Knight&Mage Inc. 8/2/22
The Kattos Waitress 9/1/22
Hauntings&Company 10/31/22
The Bugbears Heiress 11/15/22
Nymph on the Rocks 12/1/22
The Dragos Assistant 2/14/23
Two Kattos and their Barista 6/1/23
A Fowl Company 8/1/23
How to Marry a Lich 2/23/24
The Orc from the Bar 3/1/24
Cloak&Dagger Burlesque 6/24/24
Jockstraps&Newspapers 9/1/24
A Deal with the Devil 2/3/25

[Ciru · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars.

This story started off well. Then we got the mother angle, which, while I wasn't a fan of, other people may appreciate how Ophelia triumps over it. Add that to the repetitiveness in their workday and at some point I put down the story and only came back to it today because it wasn't slated for DNF.

How Markus chose to deal with Ophelia's mother, ready to just give it all up, instead of talking to Ophelia about it, annoyed me. Like boil my water annoyed me. It falls under the miscommunication trope that I abhor.

Markus+Ophelia together and how they built up each other was awww. The smut was more 3.5 to at times 4 out of 5 stars.

I loved her shadow puppets! That was the highlight side character for me. And Cthulhu at times.

But let's be real, the work situation existed in the land of books and I am actually glad Kierson was initially angry at the partnership proposal. Because imagine you work in a warehouse/family business/small company which is a "family" and then the new assistant sleeping with the boss gets a direct promotion to part owner? Ooh, the atmosphere in the break room would be deadly-toxic and you'd be liable to die, quite literally. But ofcourse not in this story 😂.

[Kat Nui · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Just…dear reader, this was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me, but that's due to my own personal history.

I related to Ophelia as someone who has often been made to feel deficient as a person. I envy her energy, but absolutely relate to how she feels in terms of her own part in a relationship. I loved her relationship with her patron. Cthulhu is a trip and I love him to death. Despite his ass-ness I want to hug him. I didn’t really relate to Markus, but I absolutely believe that more of us should have a Markus in our lives, for how he treats Ophelia and the employees in his business.

Lizzie I want to see Kayla and Kiernan's story! Lol I grinned so hard when Ophelia called Kayla "napalm".

If you enjoy urban fantasy, tentacles, and/or the learning curve of a healthy relationship, I strongly suggest this book.

[Sin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzie’s books honestly feel like coming home. These books are my safe haven. They’re so beautifully written, the characters are beyond captivating— you cannot help but fall in love with them. I will truly be devastated if Lizzie were to ever stop writing and/or publishing. Ophelia and Markus will forever hold a special place in my heart. Lizzie has a knack for writing the most soft hearted, kind, caring and loving monsters. It never escapes my notice that the supposed villains in her stories are always the characters that care the most about the wellbeing of others.
This book was pure perfection. I genuinely forgot I was reading, and became so immersed in the world and the story it felt like I was in it. Like I was right there, watching it all happen before my eyes. Everyone needs to read Lizzie’s writing!

[Kaitlyn Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this book 😍😍🩵🩵

I will take a Markus.
Please and Thank You.

This book is sweet, emotional, spicey, and just all around fantastic.

The way Ophelia brings so much light to the company and to Markus. Even when she's struggling with her own insecurities and issues.

And the way Markus becomes her rock and allows her the time and space to grow into herself and really become her own person.
Plus he's so sweet on her. And the things he says to her 🥰😍

And the way he loves on her 🥵🥵
Can I just borrow a few tentacles???
For.....research purposes of course 🤭🫣

[Kara McCrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. I picked it up because I read 'how to marry a lich' and was intrigued by the brief interactions with the main characters of this book in that one and man it didn't disappoint. The banter was good, Markus is a god damn suit wearing Hunk and I love the bossXassistant dynamic. Perfect. Now the question....does the BFF Kayla get a book? If that ever happens I will be ALL over it!

[Alyssa Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love found family and Markus "Wiggleboy" Hastings created an entire company around the concept. Ophelia is beautifully written and I absolutely adore how she treats everyone. If I have one negative to say it is how dare you, Lizzie Strong, make me think brains are cute even if they're on a cupcake!

[Brittany Reece · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

Lizzie has done it again with her amazing imagination and way of putting a story together when a half elf woman finds a job as assistant to an Ilith who runs his own business. While their affections stay hidden, a higher force does everything to break them apart.

This book had my mind running rampant as I couldn't guess the next move.

[Mari Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun read. It’s a cozy monster office romance. I’d comp it to Morning Glory Milking Farm meets Assistant to the Villain. There’s bi/pan rep. There’s curvy fat rep. There are characters dealing with horrible self-image. There is a member of the child of a narcissist club in it. It’s a great read. Enjoy. I’m excited to read more by this author.

[Purpleallison Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance rating: 5. Sexy times rating: 4. Overall story rating: 5.
This book desperately needed a proofreader, but even with all the typos and homonyms, the story was fantastic. The characters were well developed, even the barely seen ones. And apparently a mind flayer being a sexy cinnamon roll really worked here.

[Tyler Titsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great monster romance

I love the setting and the characters. The MFC goes through growth and saves herself. No prince charming saves the day cliche here. Smut is great and there is a good ratio of it.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

The most adorable story. Loved the MC's and that you get dual POV's. The smut is sweet af and it's all very relatable albeit the tentacles... Only thing lacking (imho) is a deeper plot, and it's a bit too slow paced for my liking. The penmanship is however great and it was an enjoyable read.