The Assistant

Clear View Country Club

by C. Hallman

She is 18, his new stepsister, and so very off limits.

Dawson

I spent the last year of my life in Europe overseeing and growing my company into a billion-dollar empire. I come home expecting a celebration, but instead my father tells me I have a new stepsister, and she is going to be my new assistant.

Harper isn’t just unqualified, she is a curvy distraction I can’t afford. She pushes all of my buttons, and I’ll push hers right back. She doesn't know what she is getting herself into.

Harper

All I want is to go to art school, but instead, I’m forced to work as an assistant for my new bully stepbrother. I’m supposed to be at his disposal twenty-four hours a day. But if he thinks he can boss me around all the time, he has something else coming.

My feistiness quickly fades when I realize that not all of Dawson’s businesses are legitimate and that my new stepbrother has a dark side I’m not prepared to handle. Can I untangle myself from the web I’m in before it’s too late?

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Forced Proximity

261 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

C. Hallman is a USA Today Bestselling Author who wrote her debut novel in 2018 and has since published over 100 books in various romance subgenres. Her works have been on numerous bestseller lists and have been translated into 8 languages around the world.
When she doesn't write her next novel, she publishes spicy novellas under the pen name Darcy Rose.

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Reviews

[Kursed Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eighteen-year-old Harper reluctantly takes a job working for her new stepbrother, Dawson. Meanwhile, he is determined to make her life as miserable as possible. That is, until the unthinkable happens.

I’ve got really mixed feelings about this one. While it’s a fresh take on a forbidden storyline, Dawson is cold throughout, and not just dominating or relentless. I never felt the connection between them or saw their relationship evolve. I also felt like some components of the story were thrown in by way of explanation, but it was out of the blue. I liked the idea, but the execution was lacking for me making it kind of meh. Other reviewers really enjoyed it, so it’s quite possible that it’s just a “me” thing.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: ☹️🥺🥵😳😘
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark, New Adult

✨ Tropes: Age Gap (11), Enemies-to-Lovers, Forbidden, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Rich AF, Workplace
 
💫 Microtropes: Alphahole, Curvy Woman, Jealous/Possessive, MINE!, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tragic Past, Used as Pawn, Virgin FMC, Who Hurt You?

💋 Kinks: Body Betrayal, Discipline/Punishment, Domination, Orgasm Denial

⚠️ Warning: This steamy read will leave your panties damp and your cheeks flushed.

🚩 Safety Squad: Abuse (Not by MMC), Attempted CSA (Not by MMC, Past), DubCon, Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), Unalìvíng, Violence and other potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: The Assistant is a standalone in the Clear View Country Club shared world, a multi-author collaboration. However, no other books need to be read.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Now if you know me then you know I love me a good forbidden romance with an age gap. So when I read the blurb to this book, I immediately knew it would be my first C Hallman book. It sounded absolutely delicious!

Harper is 18 and just moved into her new stepfather's house when he surprises her with a demand that she works for her new stepbrother for a year in order for him to pay her tuition to her dream college for art. Dawson takes no qualms in making sure she understands exactly how that's going to go. As in, what he says goes, immediately and without complaint or question. She's his for the year and he's not taking it easy on her. Of course Dawson also believes that Harper is the same type of gold digger that her mother is at first. Though it doesn't take him long to realize he's wrong.

As a reader who loves her fictional men walking red flags, Dawson definitely hit the spot just right for me. Although, I felt that he could have used a bit more fleshing out. I wanted to understand how he was both engrained with his father yet self made in the same time. It felt like we just graze the surface of what the development could have been for him and Harper both to be honest.

The story is very fast paced, almost too much at times. So much so that I had a bit of whiplash on the way they get together. I wanted to feel the tension, that push and pull of the forbidden trope that I love. Whereas it felt like they went from 0 to 60 in the blink of an eye. Which I found hard to wrap my mind around knowing what we knew about Harper. All in all, I struggled to feel the chemistry between the two of them because it just went a touch too fast.

While I enjoyed the book, I also felt a bit underwhelmed by the story and character development. Some elements of the story felt like they were thrown in by way of explaining something but just felt off and moved way too quick. I think if we got an additional 100 pages to the book, it would have given that extra oomph that felt missing for me as I read it. It felt like reading a novella more than a full length novel, if that makes sense. Like we got parts but not the whole. Did I enjoy it? Sure. I'll certainly be reading more of this author now. While certain elements of the story did miss the mark for me, I did still have fun reading it.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dawson & Harpers Dark Stepbrother Romance

The Assistant was a decent read with a promising premise and well-loved tropes. Readers can expect a dark romance which includes the following themes/tropes: step siblings, age gap, inexperience FMC, jealous/possessive MMC, workplace (boss x employee), forced proximity, and enemies to lovers. These are familiar tropes but while enjoyable, they followed a fairly predictable formula in this narrative.

As for the characters in this story, they fell flat for me. Dawson, the MMC, was an alpha hole that had only the barest hint of personal growth. Harper, the FMC, was a complete and total doormat. Girl, I can appreciate your position but take a little initiative. I struggled with them as individuals and even more so with them as a couple. I liked the forbidden nature of the relationship between Dawson and Harper but the connection between them felt superficial and never really developed into the deeply romantic love that I craved. I did however like catching up with the North Woods characters. And while we get some resolution with Dawson’s dad and Harper’s mom, I would have liked for them to get their comeuppance. There was a satisfying resolution for most of the characters though.

I don’t feel like this was badly written but there were a few concerns. The pacing of this story also felt a little uneven. Dawson really fast-tracked certain aspects of their relationship with a dub con scene that kind of came out of nowhere. There were also a few inconsistencies in the writing. For example, there was a scene involving a little “tasting” but in later chapters it was like it never happened. Still, there was a good amount of action and suspense to keep me engaged and turning the pages.

In the end, this book explored themes of vulnerability, love, and forgiveness in a thoughtful way. There were many moments that I enjoyed along the way to the HEA but it didn’t quite capture my heart.

[the endless tbr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! If you know me, you know I can’t resist a step-sibling romance, and this one was amazing!
Dawson & Harper's story it’s steamy, filled with angst and twists.

Dawson is set on hating Harper from the moment they meet, but he can’t understand his attraction to her. He goes from prom bully to protector, and it’s beautiful to see his character development.

Harper just wants one thing in life and that’s to go to art school, even if she has to endure a year of suffering at the hands of her new stepbrother. She is determined and a badass!

Dawson & Harper's relationship starts with so much angst, hate, and tension, but gradually becomes more. From the sexual tension, to scorching moments of love.

Seeing glimpses of old characters warmed my heart, I loved it! This book is so good, the plot, the characters, and the spice were top tier!

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story grabbed me from the first page. I love dark, forbidden romances, and this one delivered all the angst, tension, and steam I craved. Harper, just eighteen, is forced to work as her arrogant billionaire stepbrother Dawson’s assistant, and their chemistry is immediate, a mix of fiery clashes and undeniable attraction. What I loved most was watching Dawson change from a cold, controlling presence to someone fiercely protective of Harper once he uncovers their parents' sinister motives. The blend of suspense, mafia undertones, and taboo step-sibling romance kept me hooked. While some scenes moved quickly, the drama, danger, and hard-won HEA made this a page-turner I couldn’t put down.

[Jamie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn't even finish this. After he r@pes her in his office and she's all, it's ok! Harper is a terrible fmc! She gives 0 fight about anything. She's forced into ridiculous situations and hates it. However, doesn't say a single thing about it? This book was just a big NO!

I hate giving low reviews and try to stay away from it. Everyone likes different things! But this book was just bad!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Assistant is the fifth book in the Clear View Country Club Series. A full-length standalone novel with no cheating or cliffhanger and complete with a happily-ever-after. The stories are interconnected with characters from the previous books making appearance and contributing to the story. A well written story with complex individuals and a twisty and fascinating storyline that captures the reader attention from the first chapter and keeps you hooked and turning the pages until the end. A fast paced, thrilling and gripping read. Dark. Twisted. Dirty. Sinful. An absorbing addictive and unputdownable read. This is Dawson and Harper story which is told from a dual point of view.
A story of despair, sadness, pain and hurt, long suffering, verbal, mental, emotional abuse, taboo, forbidden romance, off-limits relationship, forced proximity, aged gap trope, step-brother romance, pawn, love, nefarious intention, possessiveness, obsession, twists and turns tension, passion, kidnapping, spice, danger, enemies-to-lovers, hate-to-love vibes, consensual intense rough sex, dominance, submission, dirty talking, revelations, power and control, healing, acceptance, forgiveness, heartbreak, healing, redemption, resilience, survival, violence, hatred, selfishness, greed, power play, fear, drama, murder, bloodshed, employee-boss romance, attack, workplace romance, guilt deep dark hidden secrets, family issues, hidden agendas, touch-her-and-die romance, protective alpha hero, betrayal, mafia and so much more.
All Harper's life she had been ridicule, bullied, loveless and abused by her mother. She as a dream of being an artist and longed to get away from her mother and out of the house. But when her mother remarry to wealthy man instead of things being easier for her at least. She was told that in order for her to get the money for her tuition to go to art school. She would now have to work with her new step-brother Dawson a billionaire cold-hearted, despicable, domineering nacissistic asshole. Dawson is a twenty-nine year old successful, billionaire, heartless and ruthless businessman mogul. Dawson was overseas in Europe for a year where he worked hard and became a powerful billionaire. However, when got back home things wasn't the same as his dad Henry is now married to a woman name Dana a shameless gold digger with a beautiful eighteen year old daughter Harper who his dad insisted on her working for him as his executive assistant for a year.
Dawson was immediately drawn to her but she was a forbidden fruit and totally off-limits. When Harper heard about the she wasn't having any part of it but when her parents tells her that would be the only way that she would get the tuition for art school it left her with no choice. The two became equally attracted to each other after being around the other everyday. They couldn't fight their feelings for each other and eventually succumb to their attraction where she gave him her virginity. Their parents had some dark nefarious plans for Harper virginity; where they sold her to an old sleaze ball, vile, perverted, cruel and vicious arms dealer name Malik to give her to him because she was a virgin. And when Dawson found out about their evil intentions and he did everything in his power to protect her and prevent her from falling in the clutches of Malik. He had her staying with him at his penthouse. However, things work out the he planned when Malik spend someone to break into his house while he was at work at abducted Harper.
He then took her to a doctor to check if she was in deed a virgin and when he found out that she wasn't he beat her to the inch of her life until she told him who she slept with. Dawson was beside himself when she was taken because he and fallen in love with her. And he moved heaven and earth and rescued her. But the ordeal had changed everything for Harper to the point where she had stopped talking nor eating and she was also upset with Dawson because she believed that he was apart of the reason why she was abducted. Dawson didn't know how to breakthrough through to the thick walls that she had put up around herself. And after her gift it shattered the walls and he also decided to cover the cost of her tuition for art school as well as whatever other necessity that she may need to further her dream. He also realized that he was no good for her and knew that it was in his best interest to let her go. After everything that he did for her she realized that she was in love with him and couldn't allow him to walk out of her life. He was the light to the darkness. The ray in her sunshine. The love that she never had. The two decided to give a go at it once again and found happiness after a hard fought HEA.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Assistant, Dawson has made something of himself after a year in Europe building his empire and making millions. When he comes home, he is blindsided with news that’s he’s getting an assistant who also happens to be Harper, his new stepsister. He refuses to work with anyone so he is determined to push her, make her squirm, and make her uncomfortable just for the fun of it. However, the more he works with her, the more he can’t stop thinking about her. The disdain is there since the beginning but the chemistry is there as well. You would have to be blind to not notice the attraction these two have towards each other. How far will he go to push Harper?

All Harper has ever wanted to do is go to art school. She has been waiting patiently for that to finally happen. However, when her plans are changed and she is told she will be Dawson’s assistant, her dream is out of reach. Not only is he arrogant, but he expects her to do everything he says and be available for him the entire day. She is feisty, so it won’t be easy to push her around and she is determined to not let him get to her. No matter what tasks he gives her, she completes them in a timely manner so she can be alone. Nevertheless, the constant proximity will inevitably draw them towards each other. When they finally come together, there will be fireworks. Will they keep avoiding each other or will they finally give in to their desires?

C Hallman had me blushing , smiling and crying. Harper’s life isn’t her own and we see how badly she is treated throughout. Dawson seems to think weakness is being nice so he does everything he can to appear ruthless. It seems to take a toll on him. No matter how bad things got, I could not help but root for them. I wanted them to find their happily ever after. The cameos were a very nice surprise. I was on the edge of my seat near the end. There were some heartbreaking moments but there were also some heartwarming ones. This book is filled with humor, drama, suspense, and so much heat. Like I said that chemistry was off the charts. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to seem what is in store for future releases.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hungering for a spicy step-brother, step-sister romance book? “The Assistant” will sate your hunger for sure. C. Hallman makes sure to deliver delicious scenes between the main characters - Dawson and Harper. I wouldn’t say the spice level is anywhere near “Haunting Adeline” level, but boy, some of these scenes could paint your cheeks red.

Before moving forward with my review, I will say, I did receive this book as an ARC. Now, getting more into the review:

While there was definitely some sizzle in these pages, I walked away feeling… a little underwhelmed. The first intimate scene between Dawson and Harper? Let’s just say… fast-tracked. I get it, Dawson’s whole persona fits that vibe, but the pacing felt more “express lane checkout” than “slow-burn indulgence.” Instead of a natural progression, it left me scratching my head.

Ironically, once I hit the middle of the book, things finally started cooking. The pacing slowed, the characters deepened, and I actually found myself intrigued by Dawson and Harper’s backstories. But just when I started enjoying the book—BAM—I was dropped back in fast-forward mode for the final chapters. I was disappointed Harper never truly stood up for herself - it was Dawson every time. Toward the end, I yearned to witness Harper reach the next level and transition into a stronger woman. Yet, she fell short. Dawson, though, was there leveling up like he unlocked the secrets of how to be a romance hero.

Oh, and let’s not skip over what might have been an editing hiccup that made me do a double take: In chapter 11, Dawson “tastes” Harper, but then in chapter 15 he’s like, “I can’t believe I still haven’t tasted her yet.” Excuse me, sir? We were all there. We remember. And if this wasn’t what he meant in chapter 11, the scene strongly suggested this action taking place.

To be fair, I finished The Assistant in under 24 hours, so it wasn’t a total loss. But would I re-read it? Nope. For me, this one’s a solid 3 out of 5 stars.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good!

First of all I have never read anything by this author before but this story was so good that I plan on reading more by this person!Harper was in a shelter life,loveless, not notice,until Dawson her step brother comes along.His father says she is going to be his new assistant and he will pay for her art classes,,she has to sign agreement by Dawson for a year but she says she won't and Henry says if she doesnt,he won't pay for her classes and she can pack and get out.Dawson puts her thru her paces and she keeps up regardless what he plans for her Dawson parades her in front sleazy men then accessories her flirting. Her stepfather calls Dawson and tells him to keep a eye on Harper and keep her pure,he can't figure out what he is up to.but Dawson soon fines out is happening and he is livid and he does everything to protect Harper! But one day while he is at work and she is at the penthouse where he thinks she will be safe,someone breaks in and kidnaps her and has the Dr. check her out to see if she is still pure and the sleazy guy gets the news and he is livid and he beats Harper until she gives up Dawson's name.Dawson does come to rescue but Harper is glad but she knows that Dawson and his father and her mother is at fault and why she kidnap and beaten.She will not eat,talk to Dawson but he decides to pay for her art classes and buy what she needs for college, and he knows now he must let her go.She is drawing again but something is missing,but Dawson comes buy to show her something and the gift he gives her puts her at peace,she realizes she loves him and can't do without him.They get back together and have a second chance at love.This story is filled by hate,greed and loveless and selfish.,but Dawson start out maybe hating Harper and taking something precious from her,but he always said no one was going take what was his and what he loves Harper!

[Christina Colville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast-paced, dark romance. The plot kept me engaged, and there was good spice throughout the book.

Dawson is a billionaire, working with his father (Henry) in both legitimate and not-so-legitimate businesses. Harper is newly 18, and has lived a sheltered life. She sees art school as her way of escaping her mother (Diana) and her string of ex-husbands. Diana (a washed up actress and gold-digger) has just married Henry, and Henry dictates that Harper is to be Dawson's assistant for a year, in order for him to pay for her art school.

Behind Dawson's back, Henry has worked out a deal to sell Harper to arms dealer Malik. Henry instructs Dawson to "stay out of it" and not interfere, and also to keep an eye on Harper, and make sure she stays pure. “That’s one of Malik’s demands, and if that falls through, there’s going to be hell to pay.” Big oops, since just the day before he took her v-card!

Dawson quickly decides "Harper is mine. I’m not letting anything happen to her." He rushes Harper out of town to Xander Rossi's house (from Keep Me) while he tries to come up with a plan to get Malik to back off. After coming home, while Dawson is at work, Malik's men break into the penthouse and kidnap Harper. When they examine her and find out she isn't "pure", they beat her and take her to Malik's br*thel. Dawson discovers she is missing, and calls in reinforcements - Zander and his son Quinton (from the Corium U series).

After they find Harper and Malik is taken care of, Dawson realizes he needs to let Harper go, and arranges for her to attend art school. "if leaving is going to make her happy, I love her enough to let her go." Eventually, they both realize they are missing the other one in their life; Dawson shows up at Harper's dorm room asking for a second chance.

What to expect:
Step Siblings,
Enemies to Lovers,
Age gap,
Forced Proximity,
Billionaire,
Touch her and Die,
Dark Romance,
Dub-con/n0n-con

[addictedtodarkromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawson's dad remarries a gold digger, and Dawson assumes that her daughter, Harper, is the same. Harper is forced to work or Dawson as his assistant for one year if she wants to get into the art school she's dreamed of attending.
 
He was a bit of a bully at first - he liked seeing Harper flustered and on edge, but I loved that he ended up totally obsessed and protective of her. She was his - no questions asked!! She was brave and survived her horrible mother, who treated her poorly. Harper did fight back when she could, but her going to art school depended on how well she did as Dawson's assistant, so she sometimes didn't have a choice but to give in.

When Dawson's father calls him to tell him the plans for their future, he finds himself in an impossible situation that involves Harper. But he's not going to let anyone else have her and is willing to go to any length to keep her safe!

I def recommend it!
 
Overall: 4.25 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice/Heat: 5 out of 5 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Dawson & Harper
Darkness: 5 out of 5 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 (I don't find the book that dark, but 5 dark hearts for theme)
Type of book: MF, Fast Burn, Duel 1st Person POV
Reading Order: Standalone Novel
Title: The Assistant
Epilogue: Yes
Ending Type: HEA
 
 
*OTT Possessive, obsessive, dominant, loyal and protective MMC
*Eyes only for her - MINE!
*Human Tra££icking theme
*No cheating or sharing
 
 
⚠️ This book has descriptive parts that may be offensive or triggering to some. Please check the authors' TW/CW before reading! 18+
 
*I received an early copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Sharon in SF · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dawson Price has just returned to the States after establishing his fortune overseas. He's surprised to learn his father, Henry, has re-married and is forcing his new stepsister, Harper, to work as his assistant. Since she's being forced on him, Dawson decided to make her life hell by assigning her a heavy load, wanting her fail. Harper rises to the challenge and manages to handle everything Dawson has forced on her. He begrudgingly admires her resilience when something happens to trigger a panicked and emotional response, and he starts to develop non-brotherly feelings towards her. Those protective feelings intensifies when he finds out his father has made a deal with a notorious arms dealer known for his cruelty and human trafficking.
There were some confusing aspects to the story for me that had me scratching my head at times. For example, Henry and Dawson have business "partnerships" with the shady side, and they've worked with Xander Rossi, who is definitely mafia. But when they are on a mission together, Dawson confesses he's never snuck up on an enemy before? I was surprised Xander was willing to help Dawson at the end after warning him about Malik. And the big bad villain, Malik? Let's just say things wrapped up a little too neatly with him as well as with Henry, after Dawson made a change in the business. Basic premise of the story was good...inconsistent execution with the details.

[Cindy Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

** 5 stars **

The Assistant is a very well-written, forbidden romance. It has suspense and plenty of steam.

Dawson is a very wealthy businessman who has returned home. His father has recently gotten married to his stepmother who has a young daughter, Harper. Dawson's father tells him that he needs to hire Harper as his assistant. Dawson doesn't want to hire her but goes along with his father. Harper wants to attend art school so Dawson's father promises her that she can attend after she spends a year as Dawson's assistant. She agrees but is a very timid person.

Since Harper has to be available to Dawson 24/7 he decides to mover her into his apartment. As they spend time around each other, Dawson becomes more and more attracted to her. He begins to bully her into doing exactly what he wants. Dawson doesn't realize that Harper's mother has not treated her well and has belittled her. She also had a bad experience with one of her other stepfathers.

Dawson's father reveals to him that Harper is to be married to one of his business associates. Dawson decides that he is not going to let Harper go. He is too attracted to her and wants her for himself. Harper and Dawson's story is filled with secrets and betrayal. I highly recommend this one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebeccah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The assistant was so beyond good I love Harper and Dawson he is so morally grey and I love it 😍🥰🔥 I could not stand Harper’s mother or Dawson’s dad they were both so cruel Dawson was bullying Harper to get a laugh and a controll thrill but the parents were being cruel just to be cruel. She deserved better in that department and there were times where Dawson could have been more kinder to her in the beginning. The both of them were prisoners of their parents own hell making only Dawson let it turn him cold while Harper held on tight to her warmth and light despite the brutality that was shown to her. I love how Dawson getting to know her like really know her changes him for the better and how he becomes her safe space. This is a step siblings turn lovers book so a bit taboo if you’re not into that then this book isn’t for you but if you like books like credence by Penelope Douglas then this is your flavor @challman_writes is the best at what she writes all her books are spectacular and definitely keeps you reading and not wanting to put your book down and believe me you won’t want to put this book down it’s that good!! Give her a chance you won’t regret it. This book had me in all the emotions and it will for you too!!! 🖤✨🌙 This is a 5⭐️ read for me it was beautiful and heart achingly good I was brilliant the spice was spicing I rate it at a 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Elanda Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me and this was my first book by C. Hallman. I found the writing style to be quick and engaging. I was hooked from the first page and I read this in just a few days. Some of the content was disturbing, so be sure to read your trigger warnings before jumping in.
This book follows Dawson, a young billionaire who has just come home from overseas to find that he has a new step mom, and a new step sister. His father is not a nice man, and decides that his new step sister is going to be his new assistant for the next year, not because he really needs help, but for nefarious reasons that become clear as we continue into the storyline.
Then we have Harper, the new stepsister. She want desperately to get into art school and get away from her conniving mother and new step father. She is 18 now and an adult, but has no resources and thus must sign the contract stating that for the next year, she belongs to her new step brother. She wants independence, but also can't deny that her step brother is hot and she feels drawn to him.
I loved the way that this story was put together, as we go along, we see threads of the story being drawn into a big showdown and excellent conclusion. The ending was great, with all the tears and the angst that you could ever want. I enjoyed this book and would recommend. 4 stars.

[KayBeReading · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew some mess was going to be happening when the book started off. Dawson was “gifted”(forced upon) a new assistant by his father, who just so happens to be his new stepsister, Harper. I knew the moment his father told them the new arrangement he was up to something. Dawson thought he was going to making his new assistant’s life miserable but boy was he wrong. Harper does try to push back. Now they are working together and Dawson is trying his best to make Harper squirm and he sure succeeds. With her bent over his desk under him. Dawson gets him a taste of Harper and is hooked. The two have something in common, they both have been through some trauma which causes nightmares. They are able help each other with their nightmares by sleeping cuddled together. Now Dawson’s father( and Harper’s mom)ain’t right, he had basically sold Harper off to a corrupt man. When Dawson finds out he tries to figure a way to get Harper out the deal but all it does is put Harper directly in harm’s way. The two make it out of the mess but separately. After some time, the two find their way back to each other. Because despite all they have been through they love each other so much. I will say I wish something would have happened to their parents other than just being able to walk away. This a great read and my first by the author. I will be reading more.

[Shyla S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Assistant is C. Hallman's addition to the Clear View Country Club series. This series is a multi-author series that features the privileged world of Saint Bipal’s elite. Each book/novella in the series is a standalone and follows a different couple.

𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Dawson Price & Harper
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = No.
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = Yes
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Taboo: Step Siblings • Dark Romance • Age Gap • Virgin FMC • Billionaire, Possessive MMC • Boss & Employee • Mafia • Sneaking around • Forced proximity • Touch her & ☠️ • Suspense • Dual POVs
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language • Sexual Content (dub-con) • Violence • Kidnapping • Murder
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥🔥🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

At 18, Harper just wants to finally live her own life & go to Art school... but when her mom marries her 4th husband, Henry, he agrees to pay for school BUT she must work as her stepbrother's, assistant for 1 year. Dawson doesn't want an assistant, let alone an 18y/o with no experience. He's not a fan so he vows to break her. But little did they know that their parents have ulterior motives... and when Dawson learns what plans his father has for Harper... his new goal is to keep Harper safe no matter the cost.

The Assistant had me from page one. You get suspense, drama, your heart strings pulled, a forbidden romance, spice, a possessive hero who falls hard and a FMC who is feisty yet is damaged. You can't help but root for her.

[Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Assistant by C. Hallman is the latest release from Clear View Country Club series.
In this step siblings romance we follow the story of Harper and Dawson Price through the dual POVs.

I just want to preface this by saying The Assistant was a decent read, considering the concept behind Harper and Dawson's story was different yet intriguing, something I wasn't expecting but had me interested.
However it was the execution that led to its downfall for me personally.

While the story had the usual drama, mystery, suspense and action to make up the plot, the way it read was just a little too messy for my liking. Even with it being a novella.
Not only did it feel choppy one too many times with no with no consistent flow, it also felt a little all over the place too, considering all that took place at different times within the different situations and events that were presented.
On top of that, the development of Harper and Dawson’s relationship was non-existent to say the least.
They had no real connection, which meant there was no evolving or growing to be had between the two. And without that to show for it, their relationship didn't really feel like one. Other than being physical from the steamy moments they shared.

In the end, despite the shortcomings it had for me, The Assistant by C. Hallman still made for a decent read. Having led you upon a somewhat wild and crazy journey that was Harper and Dawson’s story.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Lila Danisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah, it was not as good as I expected it would be. The tropes and the blurb were so good but the execution was a mess, for me at least.
Dawson was a freaking messy hero. I hated him so much almost the entire book. I barely tolerated him because he gave Harper little space after all the nonsense mess of plots this book contained. I don't believe he truly loved Harper. He showed nothing but a lust to Harper.
On the other hand, there was Harper. While she was mature than her age, she was such as a doormat heroine. She was strong but kinda stupid. How she fell in love with Dawson was also mystery to me. She didn't even attract to him. She only described him as handsome. And with how terrible Dawson treated her, I completely confused these two could fall in love with each other.
Like I said earlier, the plots were such as a mess. There were many plot holes too. I usually don't mind with plot holes, but I couldn't ignore them here in this book even when I forced myself to not bother with them.
The world building in this book was also underwhelming. Important side characters were mentioned and involved throughout the story but there was zero background on them.

Thank you to C. Hallman and Chaotic Creatives for the ARC.

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is part of an interconnected series but can be read as a standalone. It features tropes of age-gap (11 years), forced proximity, workplace romance, forbidden love, step-siblings, and enemies-to-lovers.

Dawson is a complete alphahole. He's rich, domineering, a bit of a jerk, and very possessive. Harper has only ever been homeschooled, has no friends, is a virgin, has been belittled by her mother her whole life, and just wants a normal life. She's doing what she has to do in order to get her tuition for art school, and Dawson takes advantage of that. Add to it not-so-great contracts, pervy old men, and a selfish stepfather, and you've got a story worth reading.

I enjoyed the fast pace of this book. The storyline flows well, and there wasn't a dull moment. The spice was off the charts, and I appreciated that I didn't have to wait half the book for it. The only thing I didn't care too much for was that I didn't think Dawson and Harper had a huge connection. It seemed to just be attraction and convenience. Then, all of a sudden, they were admitting feelings for each other even though they really didn't develop those kinds of feelings yet. I don't know, it just seemed like it came out of left field. Other than that, I enjoyed the book.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the story of Dawson and Harper. Harper is eighteen and she has always dreamed of going to art school. But when her mom remarries she has to move into the home with them and things are about to not go the way she planned at all. She has a stepbrother that she has never met. He has been busy building his billion dollar empire. Her stepfather won't pay for her college unless she works for Dawson as his personal assistant for a year. Then he will pay for her tuition. I will go ahead and tell you that Dawson is cold and cruel and I don't think the man had a friendly bone in his body. He is the boss and what he says goes weather it nine in the morning or nine at night. He knows a gold digger when she sees one and Harper and her mom both fit the bill in his opinion. Harper though is about to discover some things that either are true and make him the devil and extremely dangerous. Or, things are not what they seem at all. I really like reading this book. I wasn't the biggest fan of Dawson. Man he needs to get a personality. This is a quick fast forbidden romance that you're going to like reading.

[Lori Kays · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like almost all the C Hallman books I've read, it's started really well, I enjoy the bullying and the dub/non-con, the step-brother set-up and then....it just doesn't seem to know where to go or how to stick the landing! The climax of the story and then the miscommunication afterwards made no sense. She was all pissed at him because "he knew the whole time" and I kept waiting for that to get cleared up, that he DIDN'T know the whole time and he didn't take her virginity on purpose and never planned to sell her out and instead we get a month long separation where they never really talk. I'm not saying she didn't have reasons to mistrust him, but ummm, maybe the forceful way he took your virginity was more the issue and not that you think he lied about you getting sold?

Also, It was incredibly frustrating that this went from a dark romance to basically a contemporary romance by the end. The H became a whiny softie for no real reason. I can't believe he put the h in danger to rescue their shitty parents, also, since he and Xander's crew were somehow able to beat everyone with ease, why was anyone worried in the first place? So freaking dumb.

[SJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

In true C. Hallman fashion, she takes us on a wild ride with an extra fast-paced entertaining dark romance plot with a lot of steam. I inhaled this book with all the moments that had me gasping. I read this book in a few hours.

Naughty Tropes include but are not limited to:
Bully
Enemies-to-lovers
Step siblings
Age-gap
Forbidden
Dub-con
Forced proximity
Billionare
Dual POV

Dawson is the absolute worst at the beginning and well for most of the book. He does redeem himself for the most part. Is he possessive and obsessed? Absolutely 100%. He's the morally gray villain Harper falls for. They gave good banter.
Sweet Harper went through a lot in this story but she is resilient. She loves her man unhinged.

If you're up for a fast dark read that has a plot that's easy to follow and just as speedy then this book is for you.

Check your triggers because some parts get dark.


Spoiler Alert:





Also, what's up with chapter 15? He already "tasted" her in chapter 11. Made me take a double-take.

[Victoria Weston · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a fast paced read thats part of clear view country club series but can be read as a standalone.

What to expect

👔Age Gap Romance
💄Enemies to Lovers
👔Forbidden romance
💄Found Family
👔Workplace Romance
💄Step sibling
👔Boss x assistant

Harper works for her step brother after her step father demanded her too. All she wants is to go to art school and be happy and she'll do whatever it takes to get there.
Dawson doesn't like Harper and thinks shes just a good digger like her mum. He's a real alpha male and is not happy with the situation.
Dawson is not happy and he wants to make her life as miserable as possible.

I didn't really connect to the characters and I felt like I was missing something because everything literally moves at super speedy pace. I couldn't get a flow and I don't think the story flows much at times, sometimes with gaps. I do like this author books and how she writes but this time this story just wasn't for me. I do look forward to more from this author.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Cozy Dark Romance With Bite

Okay besties, let me tell you— "The Assistant" by C. Hallman had me hooked like I was binging messy reality TV at 2 a.m. Harper just wanted to live her life and attend art school, but her billionaire, alpha-hole stepbrother Dawson had other plans. Thanks to a “keep an eye on her” setup, she ends up as his assistant, which basically means she’s in the line of fire for his possessive, infuriating, and ridiculously hot attention. Their s€xual chemistry? Off-the-charts. But when Dawson discovers his father sold her to a dangerous mafia don—whew, it gets intense real quick. Suspense, obsession, and just enough dark spice to keep you on your toes. I’d call this a cozy dark romance—dangerous, but still delicious. Definitely check the trigger warnings first, but if you’re into twisted love stories with edge, this one’s for you.

My Ratings:
⭐ 4/5
🥵 3.5/5

[Good Booking Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This steamy, suspense-laced romance pairs an 18-year-old heroine with her 29-year-old, billionaire stepbrother—a dynamic that won’t be for everyone. The story gives readers an intense age gap, workplace tension, and a push-pull power struggle between Dawson, a darkly magnetic antihero, and Harper, his feisty, reluctant assistant.

There’s a scene with strong dubious consent that may be triggering for some readers—definitely check trigger warnings before diving in. Alongside the steam (and yes, it’s very hot), the plot weaves in intrigue, danger, and hints of a darker underworld. Fans of interconnected worlds will appreciate cameo appearances from characters in the author’s other books, adding depth for returning readers.

A fast-paced mix of spice and suspense, but one that comes with heavier content—readers should be prepared for both the heat and the shadows.

I received a free ARC of this book and this review is only my opinion

[ReadonReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawson and Harper’s story brought out a lot of different feelings in me while I was reading and I was here for it. Harper is forced to work for her new stepbrother in order to have her college paid for, but this new job comes with some steep stipulations and a guy that is a supreme jerk to enforce them. At first, I wasn’t a fan of Dawson’s but the more you read the more you see that he is a pawn in his own father’s life. It kind of took me a little by surprise because from Dawson’s pov at the beginning it almost seemed like he thought his dad would be excited to see him and he was happy about that, yet it changed quickly. Harper’s life made me incredibly sad because her mother was a piece of work and she suffered because of that selfishness. It took me a moment to like Dawson because he was so adamant in hurting Harper, but I like the turn it took later on even if for me it should have happened earlier. Overall, I enjoyed this read and loved seeing Xander and Quinton again.

[Morally_Gray_Nola · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by author C Hallman. Harper is basically clueless to her purpose in Henry and her mother’s life for most of the book. Harper is so sweet and set on autopilot, she merely questions silently. Dawson is a conflicting character—constantly fighting foreign feelings against his desired crass behavior toward Harper. Dawson goes through a metamorphosis, of sorts. Packed full of action, drama, and spicy times. This is a great 4 hour read.

*** Recommended ***

MMC:
✨Dawson
FMC:
✨Harper
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Epilogue:
✨Yes
Tropes:
👉Dark Stepbrother romance
👉He falls first
👉Possessive MMC
👉Touch her and unalive
👉MF
Triggers:
💥18+
💥Sex
💥Profanity
💥Violence
💥Attempted s assault
💥Kidnapping
💥Immuring
💥Torture
Burn Speed:
✨Fast - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️ 1/2

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Assistant is part of the Clear View Country Club Series. Where there are multiple authors participating in the series. This is a Taboo/stepbrother/Dark romance.

Dawson Price & Harper’s story. Harper’s mother keeps marrying up and she had married Dawson’s father. (His father is not a nice guy). Dawson wasn’t very nice either in the beginning because he had to take Harper on as his assistant per his father.

Harper was innocent to all the things that happened to her.

Some of Dawson’s businesses are legit and some not so legit. Harper’s stepfather & mother had some terrible plans for her. I love that Dawson takes care of her with guns a blazing!

This was a fairly short & good read! I loved the story and can’t wait for more. At least I hope there will be more.

So, seriously do check the warnings if you have any issues.