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New Life of a Retired Max-Level Adventurer: Volume 1
He saved the world. Now he just wants to run a tavern.
Garrett Ironwood was an incredible adventurer who killed the Demon King and ended a war that nearly destroyed everything. Now, he's bought a broken-down inn in the middle of nowhere, determined to spend his remaining years in peaceful obscurity. Pour drinks. Serve food. Forget the blood on his hands.
But peace is hard to find when a beautiful maid with secrets moves into your tavern. When a runaway princess lands on your doorstep. When the monsters in the forest start acting like something is driving them toward your village.
Garrett wanted a quiet life. What he's getting is a second chance—at love, at purpose, and maybe at being a hero one more time.
Garrett Ironwood was an incredible adventurer who killed the Demon King and ended a war that nearly destroyed everything. Now, he's bought a broken-down inn in the middle of nowhere, determined to spend his remaining years in peaceful obscurity. Pour drinks. Serve food. Forget the blood on his hands.
But peace is hard to find when a beautiful maid with secrets moves into your tavern. When a runaway princess lands on your doorstep. When the monsters in the forest start acting like something is driving them toward your village.
Garrett wanted a quiet life. What he's getting is a second chance—at love, at purpose, and maybe at being a hero one more time.
- GenresFantasy
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 21, 2026
I’m assuming AI
This story has a not terrible idea behind it, however both the writing style and the poor continuity of the plot leaves me believing it’s AI.
Things that are mentioned between two characters while the third is sleeping (and about something the third was supposedly keeping secret) are spoken the next page as if all three of them discussed it and the secret is not a secret any longer.
This lack of continuity of who knows what, what is a secret, conversations including details that were internal thoughts two paragraphs before, and many more lead me to the sad determination that I will not be reading any more of this.
The repetitive thoughts/descriptions/conversations also add to this feeling, as that’s not how most people talk or write, but AI usually feels the need to repeat itself.
There is potential in the plot, and if it was rewritten and heavily edited, it might be better.
This story has a not terrible idea behind it, however both the writing style and the poor continuity of the plot leaves me believing it’s AI.
Things that are mentioned between two characters while the third is sleeping (and about something the third was supposedly keeping secret) are spoken the next page as if all three of them discussed it and the secret is not a secret any longer.
This lack of continuity of who knows what, what is a secret, conversations including details that were internal thoughts two paragraphs before, and many more lead me to the sad determination that I will not be reading any more of this.
The repetitive thoughts/descriptions/conversations also add to this feeling, as that’s not how most people talk or write, but AI usually feels the need to repeat itself.
There is potential in the plot, and if it was rewritten and heavily edited, it might be better.
March 11, 2026
Started great....ended ok
This book started out great but slowly deteriorated throughout. Simple things like stuff that was never stated like surnames suddenly common knowledge, character interactions just feeling a little off. Many small details skimmed over. Book was fine but nothing to stand out against other similar stories. One a good note the spice was pretty good, I would have liked a little more slow intimacy like the beginning but it's still a positive. I'll probably drop this series and not continue my note to the author is slow down, forcus on relevant details and add some more real emotional connection. I've read reviews of this Authors other books and saw similar criticism about missing details, strange time jumps, and weird interactions. 5 years ago this would be a fantastic book in the harmlit genre but in today's world there's so many great Authors that you need to put in a passionate effort to stand out is don't mean that as a dig but this Authors writing just needs mature a but more for me.
This book started out great but slowly deteriorated throughout. Simple things like stuff that was never stated like surnames suddenly common knowledge, character interactions just feeling a little off. Many small details skimmed over. Book was fine but nothing to stand out against other similar stories. One a good note the spice was pretty good, I would have liked a little more slow intimacy like the beginning but it's still a positive. I'll probably drop this series and not continue my note to the author is slow down, forcus on relevant details and add some more real emotional connection. I've read reviews of this Authors other books and saw similar criticism about missing details, strange time jumps, and weird interactions. 5 years ago this would be a fantastic book in the harmlit genre but in today's world there's so many great Authors that you need to put in a passionate effort to stand out is don't mean that as a dig but this Authors writing just needs mature a but more for me.
April 14, 2026
I really like these stories where a retired war hero decides that he wants a quiet life and so he chooses a small town where he can go and live out his life in peace and relative quiet. The MC buys a closed and rundown Tavern in a small town on the edge of the wilderness. When he gets there, he finds that Elise is taking care of it and has been since the owner died six months ago. At first, I thought that was strange, what was her end goal? She was in no position to buy or run the tavern by herself. I learn later on that she is running and hiding from someone very important, the old tavern owner had taken her in and gave her a safe place to live and work. As they are up and running a white-haired princess (pictured on cover named Vivienne, comes in nearly dead from running and seeks help. They bring her in, and eventually both become lovers of the MC. Even though they never qualify the nature of the relationship. There is no explanation why Elise hair is blue. There is however an explanation as to why Vivienne hair is white.
April 28, 2026
I wnated to like it, but
I want to preface this by saying that I did initially like this story, but I stopped reading when the mc spared the life of main atagonist during the first confrontation. He told everyone he would kill him, was determined to solve the problem, had no issue killing innocent hired guards to make a point, then just hurt the antagonist and let him go. Presumably so said antagonist could reappear later in the story. It completely ruined it for me, such a dumb and senseless decision. Obviously that guy is going to come back for vengeance! It felt less like something the character would do, and more something the author decided to pad the run time. And the harem stuff was kinda lazy. Why is it in all these harem stories, the first wife is bi, extremely open minded and is the one to suggest they add a lover? The female lead always seems to not only agree, but actively encourage romancing other women and the mc never has to deal with jealousy or any actual consequences inherent to juggling multiple relationships.
I want to preface this by saying that I did initially like this story, but I stopped reading when the mc spared the life of main atagonist during the first confrontation. He told everyone he would kill him, was determined to solve the problem, had no issue killing innocent hired guards to make a point, then just hurt the antagonist and let him go. Presumably so said antagonist could reappear later in the story. It completely ruined it for me, such a dumb and senseless decision. Obviously that guy is going to come back for vengeance! It felt less like something the character would do, and more something the author decided to pad the run time. And the harem stuff was kinda lazy. Why is it in all these harem stories, the first wife is bi, extremely open minded and is the one to suggest they add a lover? The female lead always seems to not only agree, but actively encourage romancing other women and the mc never has to deal with jealousy or any actual consequences inherent to juggling multiple relationships.
March 1, 2026
Not bad until the end.
I was enjoying the "slice of life" story that had some adventure in it almost to the end. Not really a fan of the harem part of these stories but I like OP MCs and this genre normally has OP MCs. Like I said, I was enjoying the story until the OP MC wasn't OP anymore. He became this old tired Hero that basically lost to a minion and had to be saved by his women. Sure he was still powerful when facing off against normal people and goblins, but an ogre was able to basically grab him around the neck and his women had to shoot arrows into the ogre to save him. Next was the nobles. Why do all of these authors have such disdain for nobles. All the noble men are always made out to be evil, conniving, lecherous men which is just a none believable plot device. In the end, this story is just going to be a OP MC in name only and there is going a liberal use of plot devices and dues ex to save the day.
I was enjoying the "slice of life" story that had some adventure in it almost to the end. Not really a fan of the harem part of these stories but I like OP MCs and this genre normally has OP MCs. Like I said, I was enjoying the story until the OP MC wasn't OP anymore. He became this old tired Hero that basically lost to a minion and had to be saved by his women. Sure he was still powerful when facing off against normal people and goblins, but an ogre was able to basically grab him around the neck and his women had to shoot arrows into the ogre to save him. Next was the nobles. Why do all of these authors have such disdain for nobles. All the noble men are always made out to be evil, conniving, lecherous men which is just a none believable plot device. In the end, this story is just going to be a OP MC in name only and there is going a liberal use of plot devices and dues ex to save the day.
June 2, 2026
I should have read the reviews!
I enjoyed the sample of this book. It's charming and shows rather than tells the story of the adventurer who is our MC.
However, about a quarter of the way through the book, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was seeing writing patterns. Lots of em dashes. Lots of short, punchy sentences for emphasis. Lots of 'not X, but Y' phrasing. Characters all talked very alike each other. Then inconsistent details began popping up. It made me think AI, but I wasn't 100% sure. Then I looked on Goodreads and saw several other people complaining about the same thing - so it's not just me.
It's not a terrible book, but I'm not thrilled to be reading something written by AI when there are talented authors out there.
I enjoyed the sample of this book. It's charming and shows rather than tells the story of the adventurer who is our MC.
However, about a quarter of the way through the book, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was seeing writing patterns. Lots of em dashes. Lots of short, punchy sentences for emphasis. Lots of 'not X, but Y' phrasing. Characters all talked very alike each other. Then inconsistent details began popping up. It made me think AI, but I wasn't 100% sure. Then I looked on Goodreads and saw several other people complaining about the same thing - so it's not just me.
It's not a terrible book, but I'm not thrilled to be reading something written by AI when there are talented authors out there.
April 14, 2026
Characters are 2 Dimensional
All the characters spoke the same and had the same lines as every other character. No characters had their own personality. The non-combat chapters all said the same thing over and over. How wonderful they were and everything together.
We are also to believe an imperial princess is going to be allowed to run away and the emperor isn't going to do anything or even be mentioned but some other noble is going to try to repeatedly go after the other girl?
Funny how both of the females in this story were running away from abusive betrothals and guardians. Both made woman disappear with no consequences and are sexual abusers.
All the characters spoke the same and had the same lines as every other character. No characters had their own personality. The non-combat chapters all said the same thing over and over. How wonderful they were and everything together.
We are also to believe an imperial princess is going to be allowed to run away and the emperor isn't going to do anything or even be mentioned but some other noble is going to try to repeatedly go after the other girl?
Funny how both of the females in this story were running away from abusive betrothals and guardians. Both made woman disappear with no consequences and are sexual abusers.
May 10, 2026
DNF at 29%
A boring quality of life fantasy novel with an outstandingly capable and easy going woman.
Criticism and comments
What's with the obsession with blue haired ladies? I would rather keep my distance in real life..
"Elise had found provisions in the cellar—dried meat, hard cheese, a loaf of bread that was stale but edible." After two years?
The part where she wants to share the burden, made me laugh - sadly.
A boring quality of life fantasy novel with an outstandingly capable and easy going woman.
Criticism and comments
What's with the obsession with blue haired ladies? I would rather keep my distance in real life..
"Elise had found provisions in the cellar—dried meat, hard cheese, a loaf of bread that was stale but edible." After two years?
The part where she wants to share the burden, made me laugh - sadly.
April 14, 2026
A terrific start.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. I couldn't stop reading once I started. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. I couldn't stop reading once I started. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
April 30, 2026
Oh what an adventure
This is how a story should be told. I'm normally not one for the whole back story drama but Vic did a great job of working it in, and keeping the excitement and curiosity levels high. A retired soldier looking for boredom, and finding not what he wants, but what he needs.
This is how a story should be told. I'm normally not one for the whole back story drama but Vic did a great job of working it in, and keeping the excitement and curiosity levels high. A retired soldier looking for boredom, and finding not what he wants, but what he needs.
May 8, 2026
It takes itself a bit too seriously, with a lot of repetition for the effect and awkward dialog. It's a good, easy story that is great when you're in the mood. But the gravity it tries to convey gets annoying at times, hence a star off. Besides the awkwardness, it's a good book and I'll read the next one.
May 26, 2026
It's good
Solid book decent pacing, never a part where I was bored. There is more sex than fighting which was well done. Everything felt earned. The girls don't just throw themselves at him and how he tries to fly under the radar makes sense with his background. Hoping the next one is as good as the first.
Solid book decent pacing, never a part where I was bored. There is more sex than fighting which was well done. Everything felt earned. The girls don't just throw themselves at him and how he tries to fly under the radar makes sense with his background. Hoping the next one is as good as the first.
March 7, 2026
Good
Mostly good story. MC made to sound pragmatic, but ends up looking like toddler regarding the few attempts the author made toward skullduggery. No world building to speak of, but genuinely interesting interaction with village people.
Mostly good story. MC made to sound pragmatic, but ends up looking like toddler regarding the few attempts the author made toward skullduggery. No world building to speak of, but genuinely interesting interaction with village people.
April 8, 2026
It was great at first, the slow simmer between the two characters was great, then the third shows up and the book turns into every other erotica...The plot in particular got messy by the end, I was skimming it by that point.
April 30, 2026
Fairly generic retired hero trope based story
The story is well written, has explicit adult scenes, but is very similar to other stories based on the retired hero trope. It’s also mostly Slice of Life harem with a bit of action thrown in.
The story is well written, has explicit adult scenes, but is very similar to other stories based on the retired hero trope. It’s also mostly Slice of Life harem with a bit of action thrown in.
June 1, 2026
A lot of fun
Real catchy. Like a folklore diddle. Bubbly and fun with dark tones that compliments the narrative. Lovable characters with a wisened grizzly veteran as the MC. Looking forward to the next one.
Real catchy. Like a folklore diddle. Bubbly and fun with dark tones that compliments the narrative. Lovable characters with a wisened grizzly veteran as the MC. Looking forward to the next one.
March 1, 2026
Outstanding, no, really
Really really outstanding, great story, loveable, a little comedy, a little, sass, some high drama and a love story, what's not to like.
Really really outstanding, great story, loveable, a little comedy, a little, sass, some high drama and a love story, what's not to like.
March 14, 2026
A great start😁
A really good start on what promises to be a really good series😋 be sure to read all of it.
A really good start on what promises to be a really good series😋 be sure to read all of it.
March 17, 2026
This was fun
Love the plotline. Old grizzled guy and the cute young thing. Epilogue was quite involved. Really setting the scene for the next book
Love the plotline. Old grizzled guy and the cute young thing. Epilogue was quite involved. Really setting the scene for the next book
May 2, 2026
retired adventuer takes over a tavern in a small town, meets intriguing sexy women and cannot escape his adventurous past.
Feel good novel but the demon treat story arc wasnt working for me.
Feel good novel but the demon treat story arc wasnt working for me.
didn-t-like-it
May 8, 2026Note to self: not for me. And the narration was meh.
May 15, 2026
AI Slop
May 15, 2026
Really nice start, like the conversation. What I didnt like was really weak fights there is no tension, thrill, anticipation. Killed a bit mood. For me 3,5 still fun read.
May 25, 2026
nonsensical AI slop that the authors didn't bother to read even once.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews