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Monstrous World #1
Halfling
A half-orc, half-human belongs nowhere… Orek has spent his life trying to prove himself to a clan that despises him. The son of a deposed orc chief and human captive, he must try twice as hard to prove himself a worthy male, a strong hunter, a potential mate…
Resigned to a thankless place in the shadows, Orek ekes out a living on the fringes of the clan, just waiting for an opportunity. But what he finds instead one cold autumn night could ruin everything he’s worked so hard to gain—a human woman, captured just as his mother was so many years ago. The choice to protect her from the clan isn’t a choice at all, but what will protect him and his lonely heart from her? A life about to begin, usurped by fate… Sorcha has spent her life helping raise her many siblings, but now finally has the chance to seek her own adventures. At least, she did, before she was snatched from her horse and peddled by slavers. Taken far from home, she’s brought to the worst place imaginable—the craggy western mountains infested with brutal, brutish orcs. All humans know to fear them and stay away, and now she’s been sold to the cruelest clan-chief of them all. But the first orc she meets is nothing like the stories. He’s gentle. He frees her.
Nothing is what it seems as they lose themselves in the forest, hunted by trackers and slavers. Out of her depth, Sorcha has no choice but to rely on the mysterious halfling who saved her—but she’s been betrayed already and cannot afford to trust him. Even if, little by little, the quiet male reveals himself to be everything she could ever want.
A human and a halfling, lives ripped apart, brought together by coincidence or fate. Running for their lives, they may find the most dangerous place is together…
Fans of Finnley Fenn, SJM, Grace Draven, and Ruby Dixon will love this fluffy, steamy monster romance fantasy road trip story! Mature content intended for readers 18+
Resigned to a thankless place in the shadows, Orek ekes out a living on the fringes of the clan, just waiting for an opportunity. But what he finds instead one cold autumn night could ruin everything he’s worked so hard to gain—a human woman, captured just as his mother was so many years ago. The choice to protect her from the clan isn’t a choice at all, but what will protect him and his lonely heart from her? A life about to begin, usurped by fate… Sorcha has spent her life helping raise her many siblings, but now finally has the chance to seek her own adventures. At least, she did, before she was snatched from her horse and peddled by slavers. Taken far from home, she’s brought to the worst place imaginable—the craggy western mountains infested with brutal, brutish orcs. All humans know to fear them and stay away, and now she’s been sold to the cruelest clan-chief of them all. But the first orc she meets is nothing like the stories. He’s gentle. He frees her.
Nothing is what it seems as they lose themselves in the forest, hunted by trackers and slavers. Out of her depth, Sorcha has no choice but to rely on the mysterious halfling who saved her—but she’s been betrayed already and cannot afford to trust him. Even if, little by little, the quiet male reveals himself to be everything she could ever want.
A human and a halfling, lives ripped apart, brought together by coincidence or fate. Running for their lives, they may find the most dangerous place is together…
Fans of Finnley Fenn, SJM, Grace Draven, and Ruby Dixon will love this fluffy, steamy monster romance fantasy road trip story! Mature content intended for readers 18+
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2023
1391 people are currently reading
11211 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Wendel
22 books792 followersS.E. Wendel is a graduate of the MA Creative Writing program at the University of California, Davis. She loves maps, magic, and making epic fantasy worlds with romance thrown in. She has been writing fantasies since before she could even type (thankfully her mother was kind and patient enough to take dictation, but is relieved she can type for herself now)! From her first stories about raccoons hunting treasure on a haunted island to her latest sweeping epics, she loves to write strong heroines and noble heroes.
S.E. is a technical editor by day and in the evening loves to lose herself in her fantasy worlds and the stories of other amazing authors. She is currently working on the second part of the Broken Wings Duet. She loves her domineering orange tabby cat, true crime docs, tiramisu, pink nail polish, and swoony romantasies!
S.E. is a technical editor by day and in the evening loves to lose herself in her fantasy worlds and the stories of other amazing authors. She is currently working on the second part of the Broken Wings Duet. She loves her domineering orange tabby cat, true crime docs, tiramisu, pink nail polish, and swoony romantasies!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,122 reviews
January 27, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ This story felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. Has a good combination of soft/quiet and heart pounding moments.
"Even if she would never be his, he knew . . . that he was irrevocably, forever hers. However she wanted him, however she needed him - just hers. And that was enough."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cozy fantasy romance
✨ he’s a half human/half orc cinnamon roll who’s never been loved
✨ she’s a human who was sold to an orc clan
✨ rescuer to friend to lover
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ hiding feelings because afraid of rejection
✨ yearning / longing
✨ virgin MMC
✨ one bed at the inn
✨ 4/5 🌶️ - it’s not kinky but there’s a ton of very explicit scenes
✨ ‘touch her and die’
✨ mate bond
✨ high(ish) stakes
✨ healing/comfort
✨ plus size FMC
✨ found family
✨ an adorable baby raccoon sidekick
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I had given up on orc romances until this story! This MMC is the opposite of every orc I’ve ever read about - he’s kind, gentle, thoughtful, and selfless. He also does not have tusks or the typical ugly features of orcs since he’s half human. Also, there’s also zero mention of buckets of cum which is something I could never seem to escape with previous orc romances. 😂
The world in which this story takes place is interesting and the world building is done well. The MCs are lovable, brave, and overall, well developed. The romance is a slow burn and beautifully done. The spice is explicit, sexy, and passionate yet also gentle and sweet. The dirty talk was delicious and felt like it was written just for me. And the baby raccoon sidekick stole my heart. There's so much goodness in this story that my heart feels like it's about to burst with happiness just thinking about it all over again!
My only 'complaint' is that it felt a bit long or drawn out and was sometimes wordy to the point that I ended up skimming some unnecessary descriptions, details, and even the later sex scenes (because there’s so many and I just wanted to know what happens plot-wise).
Regardless of what is mentioned above, I fell in love with this lovely, heartwarming story and the interesting world, so pick this up if you want something that will fill your soul with love and adventure. It’s the perfect relaxing story if you want to take things slow and read for an hour or so each night before bed.
-
Update (01/26/25): I just finished the audiobook and am once again OBSESSED. I first rated this story 4-stars because even though I loved it, the story was quite drawn out and there were a lot of sex scenes that were back to back and felt unnecessary (so I skimmed some). But I’m bumping up my rating to 4.5-stars! These things didn’t bother much as much while listening to it. In fact, I couldn’t get enough of Sorcha and Orek, so I was eating up every single moment. Also, the narrators did a fantastic job! The Scottish accents were amazing! 👏 Halfling is just such a beautiful story about love and belonging. It feels so heartwarming and cozy, but there’s also lots of spice and high stakes. I love it! 10/10 recommend!
-
Favorite Quotes:
Orek had know what it was to lust and long, but now he knew what it was to want. I just want her.
_______
Sorcha was the river and he was caught in her current. He never wanted to come up for air.
_______
A consummate horsewoman, that night, Sorcha discovered just how good a ride her handsome hafling could be.
_______
He would kill for her, die for her, and most especially he would live for her.
_______
Loving someone didn't mean there weren't times you wanted to occasionally smother them with a pillow.
_______
"Mate, you are the air I breathe. The beat of my heart. You own me, Sorcha, body and soul."
_______
"I've never truly belonged anywhere. To anyone. But Sorcha, mate, I'm yours. If being part of your clan is what I must do to have you, then I'll do it. Gladly. Because you are my life now."
_______
"You are the heart in my chest, the air in my lungs. You are my mate, and I will give you everything, for you are everything to me."
_______
"Even if she would never be his, he knew . . . that he was irrevocably, forever hers. However she wanted him, however she needed him - just hers. And that was enough."
WHAT TO EXPECT:
✨ cozy fantasy romance
✨ he’s a half human/half orc cinnamon roll who’s never been loved
✨ she’s a human who was sold to an orc clan
✨ rescuer to friend to lover
✨ forced proximity
✨ slow burn
✨ hiding feelings because afraid of rejection
✨ yearning / longing
✨ virgin MMC
✨ one bed at the inn
✨ 4/5 🌶️ - it’s not kinky but there’s a ton of very explicit scenes
✨ ‘touch her and die’
✨ mate bond
✨ high(ish) stakes
✨ healing/comfort
✨ plus size FMC
✨ found family
✨ an adorable baby raccoon sidekick
✨ HEA
My Thoughts:
I had given up on orc romances until this story! This MMC is the opposite of every orc I’ve ever read about - he’s kind, gentle, thoughtful, and selfless. He also does not have tusks or the typical ugly features of orcs since he’s half human. Also, there’s also zero mention of buckets of cum which is something I could never seem to escape with previous orc romances. 😂
The world in which this story takes place is interesting and the world building is done well. The MCs are lovable, brave, and overall, well developed. The romance is a slow burn and beautifully done. The spice is explicit, sexy, and passionate yet also gentle and sweet. The dirty talk was delicious and felt like it was written just for me. And the baby raccoon sidekick stole my heart. There's so much goodness in this story that my heart feels like it's about to burst with happiness just thinking about it all over again!
My only 'complaint' is that it felt a bit long or drawn out and was sometimes wordy to the point that I ended up skimming some unnecessary descriptions, details, and even the later sex scenes (because there’s so many and I just wanted to know what happens plot-wise).
Regardless of what is mentioned above, I fell in love with this lovely, heartwarming story and the interesting world, so pick this up if you want something that will fill your soul with love and adventure. It’s the perfect relaxing story if you want to take things slow and read for an hour or so each night before bed.
-
Update (01/26/25): I just finished the audiobook and am once again OBSESSED. I first rated this story 4-stars because even though I loved it, the story was quite drawn out and there were a lot of sex scenes that were back to back and felt unnecessary (so I skimmed some). But I’m bumping up my rating to 4.5-stars! These things didn’t bother much as much while listening to it. In fact, I couldn’t get enough of Sorcha and Orek, so I was eating up every single moment. Also, the narrators did a fantastic job! The Scottish accents were amazing! 👏 Halfling is just such a beautiful story about love and belonging. It feels so heartwarming and cozy, but there’s also lots of spice and high stakes. I love it! 10/10 recommend!
-
Favorite Quotes:
Orek had know what it was to lust and long, but now he knew what it was to want. I just want her.
_______
Sorcha was the river and he was caught in her current. He never wanted to come up for air.
_______
A consummate horsewoman, that night, Sorcha discovered just how good a ride her handsome hafling could be.
_______
He would kill for her, die for her, and most especially he would live for her.
_______
Loving someone didn't mean there weren't times you wanted to occasionally smother them with a pillow.
_______
"Mate, you are the air I breathe. The beat of my heart. You own me, Sorcha, body and soul."
_______
"I've never truly belonged anywhere. To anyone. But Sorcha, mate, I'm yours. If being part of your clan is what I must do to have you, then I'll do it. Gladly. Because you are my life now."
_______
"You are the heart in my chest, the air in my lungs. You are my mate, and I will give you everything, for you are everything to me."
_______
dnf
October 16, 2023DNF @ 75%
Strong start with likable protags but terribly paced and the ubiquitous use of the terms “male” and “female” made me want to shoot myself it was that insufferable
Strong start with likable protags but terribly paced and the ubiquitous use of the terms “male” and “female” made me want to shoot myself it was that insufferable
November 15, 2023
dnf around %55
not because i don’t enjoy this(you can see from my updates how much i love it) but because they’re together now and i want to finish it here🥺 i don’t want to read about more fights with the orcs or other obstacles, so staying here 🫶🏼
not because i don’t enjoy this(you can see from my updates how much i love it) but because they’re together now and i want to finish it here🥺 i don’t want to read about more fights with the orcs or other obstacles, so staying here 🫶🏼
November 13, 2025
5 Stars!
Orek & Sorcha foreverrrr! 🥰😍🥺
Full review to come.
“You are the heart in my chest, the air in my lungs. You are my mate, and I will give you everything, for you are everything to me.”“
Orek & Sorcha foreverrrr! 🥰😍🥺
Full review to come.
“You are the heart in my chest, the air in my lungs. You are my mate, and I will give you everything, for you are everything to me.”“
November 6, 2023
This book was afflicted with the dreaded ailment that plagues so many new books nowadays: insane never-ending number of pages. This book is like so many others on KU: too damn long and full of filler (I get it authors are trying to scrape by and I totally blame the way KU pays the authors).
I saw the page count but I figured fantasy needs more pages and also I was afflicted with FOMO so I decided to go for it. It started well with a kidnapping, a tortured monosyllabic hero, and a rescue. He saves her from being sold as a sex slave and they go on a road trip back to her homeland which is super far away. The tension at the beginning was great. He's an orc, she's a human and scared of orcs because ohhh scary and also evil kidnappers. But that's resolved less than halfway and then they just play coy until about fifty percent when they start banging. The ILY comes pretty soon after and we are left with zero romantic tension after that. The rest of the book is sex scenes and not enough world building . It's just sex and more sex. When I say I want spice, I mean I want meaningful love scenes. Also needed some editing because the overuse of some words was egregious. If I never read the word "huff" again it will be too soon.
Anyway, there is some third act conflict which I actually liked because it woke me up from my coma. I see the ratings for this and it looks like I am the only one resenting these drawn-out books but I promise that had this book been at least a hundred pages shorter, it would have been tighter plot-wise and much better-paced. I still enjoyed bits and pieces of it but as a whole it was very forgettable. I guess I won't be entering my monster era after all.
Tropes
Beauty and the Beast vibes
Road trip
Close proximity
Forbidden love
🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)/5
🔥🔥/5
I saw the page count but I figured fantasy needs more pages and also I was afflicted with FOMO so I decided to go for it. It started well with a kidnapping, a tortured monosyllabic hero, and a rescue. He saves her from being sold as a sex slave and they go on a road trip back to her homeland which is super far away. The tension at the beginning was great. He's an orc, she's a human and scared of orcs because ohhh scary and also evil kidnappers. But that's resolved less than halfway and then they just play coy until about fifty percent when they start banging. The ILY comes pretty soon after and we are left with zero romantic tension after that. The rest of the book is sex scenes and not enough world building . It's just sex and more sex. When I say I want spice, I mean I want meaningful love scenes. Also needed some editing because the overuse of some words was egregious. If I never read the word "huff" again it will be too soon.
Anyway, there is some third act conflict which I actually liked because it woke me up from my coma. I see the ratings for this and it looks like I am the only one resenting these drawn-out books but I promise that had this book been at least a hundred pages shorter, it would have been tighter plot-wise and much better-paced. I still enjoyed bits and pieces of it but as a whole it was very forgettable. I guess I won't be entering my monster era after all.
Tropes
Beauty and the Beast vibes
Road trip
Close proximity
Forbidden love
🌟🌟.5 (rounded up)/5
🔥🔥/5
October 7, 2023
"Fates, what a pair they made—desperate for each other but unable to see it."
This book had me in my feeeeels 😭✨️ Halfling is truly one of my favourites of this year. I was swept away, thrown into an emotional rollercoaster and I'm devastated that it's over since I miss them already.
The descriptions of the anguish and loneliness left me feeling something in my cold, dead heart. The love and devotion Sorcha and Orek have is so freaking beautiful. I was gushing and swooning so much 😂 I love Sorcha, for her patience and encouragement for Orek. And Orek, for the devotion and gentlessness. And the raccoon bebe sidekick, Darrah! It wouldn't be the same without him. I highly, highly recommend for you to check this book out. It's got the perfect amount of emotional depth, sweetness and smut 😌
This book had me in my feeeeels 😭✨️ Halfling is truly one of my favourites of this year. I was swept away, thrown into an emotional rollercoaster and I'm devastated that it's over since I miss them already.
The descriptions of the anguish and loneliness left me feeling something in my cold, dead heart. The love and devotion Sorcha and Orek have is so freaking beautiful. I was gushing and swooning so much 😂 I love Sorcha, for her patience and encouragement for Orek. And Orek, for the devotion and gentlessness. And the raccoon bebe sidekick, Darrah! It wouldn't be the same without him. I highly, highly recommend for you to check this book out. It's got the perfect amount of emotional depth, sweetness and smut 😌
November 8, 2023
**4/5 stars**
The story follows Orek a half-orc and half-human male who had to grow up in the Stone-Skin clan. An orc clan who liked to diminish and bully him for being a halfling. Living everyday trying to prove himself, he'd come to accept he would never be valued in the eye of his tribe, and would never belong in the human world due to his appearance. When some orc from his clan brought back a human woman, Sorcha, from the slave traders and Orek is in charge to watch her tent until they can gift her to the chief, Orek doesn't think twice to save her, as he knows that her fate would probably be worse than what his mother went through. The current chief being much crueler than his father was before he got defeated. If after being saved Sorcha is wary, it doesn't take her long to realize Orek is her best way to get back home to her family safely.
I took a while to read this book only because I was so busy with life. Had there been an audiobook version, I would've finished it in a day or two. I sadly couldn't find the time to sit down, and only could read a couple chapters before bed. If I'm being objective, I don't think everyone will like this book, mostly because of the pacing and how lengthy this book is. I also believe it didn't need to be 450+ pages but I also personally enjoyed how the author took the time to flesh out the plot, the characters, the relationship, the worldbuilding, etc.
I really liked Sorcha. She was brave and strong, but also kind and sweet. When it comes to her appearance, I liked that she was curvy and tall for a woman. And because she was tall, the height disparity between her and Orek was just perfect. She wasn't squeamish nor did she make stupid decisions to drive the plot. She also knew what she wanted and she was the one who made the first move after observing that Orek might feel the same attraction she did but just didn't know how to approach her or if she would accept him. Her personality made so much sense considering she's the first born of a big family and had to help her mother in raising her siblings from a young age, and taking care of the farm animals while her father was mostly absent due to his duty.
As for Orek, he was such a cinnamon roll, ready to protect Sorcha at all cost. Growing up lonely and bullied by the Orc clan for being a halfling, he never felt like he belonged anywhere. When he met Sorcha, who'd been bought from a slaves trader, and understood that her fate would be the same as his mother's if he didn't do anything, he didn't think twice to help her escape. For most of the story, he was a blushing mess in front of Sorcha as he was inexperienced with females, and because he found her to be very pretty. Her proximity also brought up deeper feelings of possessiveness and attraction within him that he didn't know how to process, and his 'beast' side started claiming Sorcha as his mate pretty quickly. He didn't talk much at first, not knowing what to reply to Sorcha's constant talking, but loving the sound of her voice.
Overall, their relationship was so enjoyable to follow. If it started with wariness from Sorcha's perspective, they became friends before falling in love. The attraction didn't suddenly happen, it was progressive and cute. I also adored Sorcha for the way she coaxed Orek and taught him how to be intimate. It felt very organic and hot; Orek getting more confident and bold which each scene.
But the best part, for me at least, was how the story didn't just revolve around the romance and when they would get under the sheets. I really appreciated how the author took the time to develop her characters and show their growth. Both of them go on a journey to find themselves and heal from what is weighting on them. Orek having to deal with that feeling of rejection and abandonment from his mother and clan, while Sorcha had to learn to rely on others and stop carrying the burden she thought she had to carry for her family. It's always a delight when an author gives more depth to their characters.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️3rd person dual POV
✔️Fated Mates
✔️Enemies to friends to lovers
✔️MC's age
✔️Protective/ Virgin H
✔️Curvy/ Strong h
✔️No cheating
✔️No OW/OM
✔️Slow burn
🔥 Steam level:4/5
⚡ Content warning
⚡ Trigger warning
This book truly stands as a standalone, and it didn't feel like anything was left unresolved. There was also mention of other types of halflings (mermaid, dragon, etc.) which opens the door for future stories in the Monstrous World series. If you expect many things to happen each page, you might be disappointed though. I would definitely recommend this book for someone who is looking for a cozy read and a slow pace story. The journey with Sorcha and Orek was well written and I would definitely reread this again.
The story follows Orek a half-orc and half-human male who had to grow up in the Stone-Skin clan. An orc clan who liked to diminish and bully him for being a halfling. Living everyday trying to prove himself, he'd come to accept he would never be valued in the eye of his tribe, and would never belong in the human world due to his appearance. When some orc from his clan brought back a human woman, Sorcha, from the slave traders and Orek is in charge to watch her tent until they can gift her to the chief, Orek doesn't think twice to save her, as he knows that her fate would probably be worse than what his mother went through. The current chief being much crueler than his father was before he got defeated. If after being saved Sorcha is wary, it doesn't take her long to realize Orek is her best way to get back home to her family safely.
I took a while to read this book only because I was so busy with life. Had there been an audiobook version, I would've finished it in a day or two. I sadly couldn't find the time to sit down, and only could read a couple chapters before bed. If I'm being objective, I don't think everyone will like this book, mostly because of the pacing and how lengthy this book is. I also believe it didn't need to be 450+ pages but I also personally enjoyed how the author took the time to flesh out the plot, the characters, the relationship, the worldbuilding, etc.
Sorcha was the river and he was caught in her current. He never wanted to come up for air.
I really liked Sorcha. She was brave and strong, but also kind and sweet. When it comes to her appearance, I liked that she was curvy and tall for a woman. And because she was tall, the height disparity between her and Orek was just perfect. She wasn't squeamish nor did she make stupid decisions to drive the plot. She also knew what she wanted and she was the one who made the first move after observing that Orek might feel the same attraction she did but just didn't know how to approach her or if she would accept him. Her personality made so much sense considering she's the first born of a big family and had to help her mother in raising her siblings from a young age, and taking care of the farm animals while her father was mostly absent due to his duty.
His possessiveness over this human woman had awoken the beast sleeping inside him, and now that it was awake, its entire focus was her.
As for Orek, he was such a cinnamon roll, ready to protect Sorcha at all cost. Growing up lonely and bullied by the Orc clan for being a halfling, he never felt like he belonged anywhere. When he met Sorcha, who'd been bought from a slaves trader, and understood that her fate would be the same as his mother's if he didn't do anything, he didn't think twice to help her escape. For most of the story, he was a blushing mess in front of Sorcha as he was inexperienced with females, and because he found her to be very pretty. Her proximity also brought up deeper feelings of possessiveness and attraction within him that he didn't know how to process, and his 'beast' side started claiming Sorcha as his mate pretty quickly. He didn't talk much at first, not knowing what to reply to Sorcha's constant talking, but loving the sound of her voice.
Orcs were covetous creatures, and he coveted her so fiercely, he already knew there was no turning back. Probably knew it before even tugging his cock to her for the first time.
Overall, their relationship was so enjoyable to follow. If it started with wariness from Sorcha's perspective, they became friends before falling in love. The attraction didn't suddenly happen, it was progressive and cute. I also adored Sorcha for the way she coaxed Orek and taught him how to be intimate. It felt very organic and hot; Orek getting more confident and bold which each scene.
“If my mate wants assurance, then I’ll give it. As much as she needs.[...] Now,” he purred, “I mean to assure my mate as much as she can stand.”-Orek
But the best part, for me at least, was how the story didn't just revolve around the romance and when they would get under the sheets. I really appreciated how the author took the time to develop her characters and show their growth. Both of them go on a journey to find themselves and heal from what is weighting on them. Orek having to deal with that feeling of rejection and abandonment from his mother and clan, while Sorcha had to learn to rely on others and stop carrying the burden she thought she had to carry for her family. It's always a delight when an author gives more depth to their characters.
✔️HEA
✔️Standalone
✔️3rd person dual POV
✔️Fated Mates
✔️Enemies to friends to lovers
✔️MC's age
✔️Protective/ Virgin H
✔️Curvy/ Strong h
✔️No cheating
✔️No OW/OM
✔️Slow burn
🔥 Steam level:4/5
⚡ Content warning
⚡ Trigger warning
This book truly stands as a standalone, and it didn't feel like anything was left unresolved. There was also mention of other types of halflings (mermaid, dragon, etc.) which opens the door for future stories in the Monstrous World series. If you expect many things to happen each page, you might be disappointed though. I would definitely recommend this book for someone who is looking for a cozy read and a slow pace story. The journey with Sorcha and Orek was well written and I would definitely reread this again.
October 29, 2023
This was so good and absolutely adorable until the last 25% which was a bummer. It was a solid 4.5 ⭐️ read until the moment she proclaimed to be an orc slut and described how much she loved Orek's green dick in front of Lord Darrow and her dad and brothers. I couldn't recover from that, sorry.
Read
October 28, 2023DNFing this at around 40%.
I'm simply very bored and me and my orc romance era definitely expected something different from this.
I'm simply very bored and me and my orc romance era definitely expected something different from this.
December 3, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Halfling starts with a prologue that truly sets the bleak stage of Orek's (H) life as a half orc/half human in an orc clan. His mother was a captive human of the chieftain and poor young Orek received no affection or real care from anyone, and that's before his mother saves herself and leaves him behind. The story then picks up years later with another human woman being brought into the camp, this time as a gift for the newer clan chieftain, who's even worse than Orek's father was. This time, Orek's old enough, has skills enough, and has the burning desire to not let what happened to his mother happen to anyone else. So he saves Sorcha (h), leading to a flight from the orc camp to the human territories in an effort to get Sorcha to safety and back to her family. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama and no real om drama except that om who wanted h have led to these events. H is a virgin and h is experienced, but did not have lasting relationships.
This is a slow burn romance with much of the tale taking place on the journey. There's a progression of wary strangers to friends to lovers with strong character and relationship development. The wariness is primarily from Sorcha, but it's quickly established that Orek is a quiet, cinnamon roll who would rather suffer than let anything happen to her. He's very protective and adorable, but has a possessive inner voice that frankly worries him at times with how it latches on to Sorcha. I loved the dichotomy going on there. Sorcha is very much an older child personality (she's the oldest of 7 kids) and likes to feel useful and competent. She was also kind, resilient, and she actually saw Orek and gave him care and affection! I adored them together and how their circumstances naturally developed their intimacy and allowed them to peel those layers back. Orek's traumatic past and vulnerabilities are a little more obvious. Sorcha's vulnerabilities are hinted at but become more apparent later in the story. I could sympathize and relate to these, even as I was frustrated waiting for someone to call out what was happening.
Even though the attraction was strong between them, both were uncertain of how the other felt so the "when will someone just make a damn move" tension gets strong. Added to that is Orek's virginity since he had witnessed erotic acts as part of the camp, but didn't believe that he would be appealing to Sorcha or know what to do at first. A mate bond also comes into play here because it's cemented with sex and orcs can't be away from their mates, except Orek's perceived future with Sorcha is completely up in the air, poor sweet guy. The book does get very steamy though and it's good steam! Unfortunately, I started skimming steamy scenes close to the end because of my next point.
I would have loved this book if it wasn't so long. I think if this had been maybe a quarter shorter and tightened up, this easily would have been five stars for me. The pacing was off, in my opinion, leading to wavering attention. Other reviewers have mentioned how this is a cozy fantasy romance that still maintains high stakes, since the danger remains of the orcs chasing after them. The tension just wasn't distributed evenly for me. Then the setting and characters are so well-developed with details, but these were wonderful in some areas and bogged the book down in others. I was also a little confused on the political aspect of the world, since lords had autonomy, but there was also a king.
In addition to Sorcha and Orek, there's little Darrah, a baby raccoon that Orek rescues as well. I make no secret of my love for animals and any time I read a mention of Darrah's little paws reaching for food and his little licks on Orek's neck, I just wanted to melt into a puddle...or go find my own baby raccoon. Unfortunately, many other characters that Orek and Sorcha encounter on their journey are not as cute as Darrah, but some are! Then Sorcha's family were an interesting dynamic that had to go through their own form of growth because of Sorcha's abduction and eventual return.
The climax of the book was not what I was expecting, in a good way. There is a sense of both Sorcha and Orek possibly failing, in different ways, that dug into some of their insecurities. I love when characters rescue each other though and that happens a couple of times in the book, including the end. I wasn't completely sold on how the orc clan resolution occurred, but liked the changes to the kingdom and the influx of other halflings that happened because of Orek and Sorcha. Definitely bones for some other types of character romances in this world and I would really like to revisit this series! The epilogue is a short time jump ahead of Sorcha and Orek's official wedding and unveiling the home that Orek built for them. It's precious and a lovely way to end the book.
Halfling starts with a prologue that truly sets the bleak stage of Orek's (H) life as a half orc/half human in an orc clan. His mother was a captive human of the chieftain and poor young Orek received no affection or real care from anyone, and that's before his mother saves herself and leaves him behind. The story then picks up years later with another human woman being brought into the camp, this time as a gift for the newer clan chieftain, who's even worse than Orek's father was. This time, Orek's old enough, has skills enough, and has the burning desire to not let what happened to his mother happen to anyone else. So he saves Sorcha (h), leading to a flight from the orc camp to the human territories in an effort to get Sorcha to safety and back to her family. Written in third person, dual POV. No ow drama and no real om drama except that om who wanted h have led to these events. H is a virgin and h is experienced, but did not have lasting relationships.
This is a slow burn romance with much of the tale taking place on the journey. There's a progression of wary strangers to friends to lovers with strong character and relationship development. The wariness is primarily from Sorcha, but it's quickly established that Orek is a quiet, cinnamon roll who would rather suffer than let anything happen to her. He's very protective and adorable, but has a possessive inner voice that frankly worries him at times with how it latches on to Sorcha. I loved the dichotomy going on there. Sorcha is very much an older child personality (she's the oldest of 7 kids) and likes to feel useful and competent. She was also kind, resilient, and she actually saw Orek and gave him care and affection! I adored them together and how their circumstances naturally developed their intimacy and allowed them to peel those layers back. Orek's traumatic past and vulnerabilities are a little more obvious. Sorcha's vulnerabilities are hinted at but become more apparent later in the story. I could sympathize and relate to these, even as I was frustrated waiting for someone to call out what was happening.
Even though the attraction was strong between them, both were uncertain of how the other felt so the "when will someone just make a damn move" tension gets strong. Added to that is Orek's virginity since he had witnessed erotic acts as part of the camp, but didn't believe that he would be appealing to Sorcha or know what to do at first. A mate bond also comes into play here because it's cemented with sex and orcs can't be away from their mates, except Orek's perceived future with Sorcha is completely up in the air, poor sweet guy. The book does get very steamy though and it's good steam! Unfortunately, I started skimming steamy scenes close to the end because of my next point.
I would have loved this book if it wasn't so long. I think if this had been maybe a quarter shorter and tightened up, this easily would have been five stars for me. The pacing was off, in my opinion, leading to wavering attention. Other reviewers have mentioned how this is a cozy fantasy romance that still maintains high stakes, since the danger remains of the orcs chasing after them. The tension just wasn't distributed evenly for me. Then the setting and characters are so well-developed with details, but these were wonderful in some areas and bogged the book down in others. I was also a little confused on the political aspect of the world, since lords had autonomy, but there was also a king.
In addition to Sorcha and Orek, there's little Darrah, a baby raccoon that Orek rescues as well. I make no secret of my love for animals and any time I read a mention of Darrah's little paws reaching for food and his little licks on Orek's neck, I just wanted to melt into a puddle...or go find my own baby raccoon. Unfortunately, many other characters that Orek and Sorcha encounter on their journey are not as cute as Darrah, but some are! Then Sorcha's family were an interesting dynamic that had to go through their own form of growth because of Sorcha's abduction and eventual return.
The climax of the book was not what I was expecting, in a good way. There is a sense of both Sorcha and Orek possibly failing, in different ways, that dug into some of their insecurities. I love when characters rescue each other though and that happens a couple of times in the book, including the end. I wasn't completely sold on how the orc clan resolution occurred, but liked the changes to the kingdom and the influx of other halflings that happened because of Orek and Sorcha. Definitely bones for some other types of character romances in this world and I would really like to revisit this series! The epilogue is a short time jump ahead of Sorcha and Orek's official wedding and unveiling the home that Orek built for them. It's precious and a lovely way to end the book.
January 2, 2024
2 stars
Too long and drawn out.
I was bored and started skimming before I finally DNF'ed.
I didn't like the heroine. She had very conflicting opinions (bragging about her dad and being proud to say his job and then complaining about it the next second - it felt like she used whatever emotion was more convenient in the moment for her) and also an attitude which didn't endear her to me at all (always placing her hands on her hips and expecting everyone to bow to her commands). All that combined with a hero who while I empathised with him, I also wanted him to have more initiative (for lack of a better word) and personality.
Too long and drawn out.
I was bored and started skimming before I finally DNF'ed.
I didn't like the heroine. She had very conflicting opinions (bragging about her dad and being proud to say his job and then complaining about it the next second - it felt like she used whatever emotion was more convenient in the moment for her) and also an attitude which didn't endear her to me at all (always placing her hands on her hips and expecting everyone to bow to her commands). All that combined with a hero who while I empathised with him, I also wanted him to have more initiative (for lack of a better word) and personality.
Want to read
October 19, 2023why is the cover giving me shrek vibes
I need to read this
I need to read this
October 6, 2023
"You are the heart in my chest, the air in my lungs. You are my mate, and I will give you everything, for you are everything to me."
Oh my goodness, the story of healing and love in this book will make it unforgettable to me. Once again, the author captured my heart with the beautiful love story she wrote. Orek and Sorcha journey to love on an epic adventure was so enchanting and sooooo very spicy. 5 big green chili peppers spicy, sorry, I had to, it is a monster romance!! 😍😍 I love her writing style. I have read 4 of her books this year, and I love them all.
Oh my goodness, the story of healing and love in this book will make it unforgettable to me. Once again, the author captured my heart with the beautiful love story she wrote. Orek and Sorcha journey to love on an epic adventure was so enchanting and sooooo very spicy. 5 big green chili peppers spicy, sorry, I had to, it is a monster romance!! 😍😍 I love her writing style. I have read 4 of her books this year, and I love them all.
January 8, 2024
medio largo el asunto... pero fue entretenido
June 2, 2024
Overly-long and yet nevertheless, Halfling is an adorable monster romance featuring two main characters who leap of the page and conjure up some delicious spice
December 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. Both characters were lovable with flaws. Orek was all self-sacrifice and self-hate, given his lifetime of abuse. Sorcha was her own brand of self sacrificing with her eldest child syndrome, but was a firebrand and would fight for what she wanted. They sucked at communication at the beginning, and those flaws stayed through the end, but they did improve over time. Orek had a deliciously filthy mouth.
The world building was interesting and full of medieval intrigue but without the same intensity of purity culture, even though it still was present. It was beautiful and well written.
Spice: 3.5/5
Triggers: child abandonment, references to rape (off page, side character), kidnapping, captivity, violence, gore, death, abuse, trauma responses, eldest child syndrome, slut shaming of victimized women, hunting, severe injuries, threat of drowning
The world building was interesting and full of medieval intrigue but without the same intensity of purity culture, even though it still was present. It was beautiful and well written.
Spice: 3.5/5
Triggers: child abandonment, references to rape (off page, side character), kidnapping, captivity, violence, gore, death, abuse, trauma responses, eldest child syndrome, slut shaming of victimized women, hunting, severe injuries, threat of drowning
January 2, 2025
Was hoping that this was gonna be my everything bc I was eating up the first half but 💔 that second half was not it. Also if there's one thing I can't take seriously it's 'mate' as a pet name
February 5, 2024
4.5☆ Awwwwwwwwwww stars!
If you want to feel wrapped up in a cashmere blanket by a cozy fire with a cup of bottomless hot cocoa, but happen to be missing all of the required items, then grab this book and immerse yourself in the slow burn of Orek+Sorcha. Basically, Orek will ruin you in every way for any realistic male partners in life, and Sorcha will make you wish you could be a badass on a horse while charming the pants off of everyone and helping to achieve world peace.
Sure, this is a monster romance, but their relationship is muthafuckin GOALS. Not only could they start forest fires in those furs, but these are true partners who genuinely admire and trust each other 💯 They literally protect each other with their lives and are super mindful of being the other person’s safe space. And holy GOD the sensuality and primal eroticism is just… 🥵
Orek is the ultimate gentle giant with BGDE (that’s Big Green Dick Energy). The absolute hell of his youth--which was hard to read about--makes him miraculous for having grown into such a good, kind man. Having faced such prejudice, abuse, and lack of love his whole life until Sorcha, he needs to learn fast how to express himself. I adored Orek's POV; his love languages are acts of service and physical touch, and holy shit is that man giving. 😉 While he may not have an innate drive to talk a lot, when he does? Perfection. Absolutely bonkers-level-romantic. I smiled so hard every time he scolded himself that his woman "needed the words, too." I loved Orek’s adorable connection with their adopted kid/baby racoon, Darrah, and his later kindness to animals, children, and those in need of protection stole my heart over and over again. He is just so:
Sorcha is awesome, too. I loved her well-rounded strength of mind, body, and spirit. Her capacity for love, compassion, and appreciation is enormous, and her love languages matched Orek's so well. The way she really saw him, and wanted to be his place of belonging...ugh it was just so beautiful. A couple of times I wanted to snap my fingers in front of her face to make her realize that they were misunderstanding each other, but I also liked that despite all the reasons they might have had for giving up, they never did. There was no cowardice, only selflessness and determination even in the face of overwhelming prejudice.
This would have been a 5-star for me except that it's verrrrry lonnnngggg and occasionally overly-detailed (kind of like this review). The pacing was slow at times, and certain day-to-day life descriptions could have been curtailed. I put the book aside repeatedly over the course of a month before I felt ready to commit and finish it, and I’m so glad I waited for the right mood! Because what a payoff. I'll definitely be looking out for Annalise's story coming up.
If you want to feel wrapped up in a cashmere blanket by a cozy fire with a cup of bottomless hot cocoa, but happen to be missing all of the required items, then grab this book and immerse yourself in the slow burn of Orek+Sorcha. Basically, Orek will ruin you in every way for any realistic male partners in life, and Sorcha will make you wish you could be a badass on a horse while charming the pants off of everyone and helping to achieve world peace.
Sure, this is a monster romance, but their relationship is muthafuckin GOALS. Not only could they start forest fires in those furs, but these are true partners who genuinely admire and trust each other 💯 They literally protect each other with their lives and are super mindful of being the other person’s safe space. And holy GOD the sensuality and primal eroticism is just… 🥵
Orek is the ultimate gentle giant with BGDE (that’s Big Green Dick Energy). The absolute hell of his youth--which was hard to read about--makes him miraculous for having grown into such a good, kind man. Having faced such prejudice, abuse, and lack of love his whole life until Sorcha, he needs to learn fast how to express himself. I adored Orek's POV; his love languages are acts of service and physical touch, and holy shit is that man giving. 😉 While he may not have an innate drive to talk a lot, when he does? Perfection. Absolutely bonkers-level-romantic. I smiled so hard every time he scolded himself that his woman "needed the words, too." I loved Orek’s adorable connection with their adopted kid/baby racoon, Darrah, and his later kindness to animals, children, and those in need of protection stole my heart over and over again. He is just so:
Sorcha is awesome, too. I loved her well-rounded strength of mind, body, and spirit. Her capacity for love, compassion, and appreciation is enormous, and her love languages matched Orek's so well. The way she really saw him, and wanted to be his place of belonging...ugh it was just so beautiful. A couple of times I wanted to snap my fingers in front of her face to make her realize that they were misunderstanding each other, but I also liked that despite all the reasons they might have had for giving up, they never did. There was no cowardice, only selflessness and determination even in the face of overwhelming prejudice.
This would have been a 5-star for me except that it's verrrrry lonnnngggg and occasionally overly-detailed (kind of like this review). The pacing was slow at times, and certain day-to-day life descriptions could have been curtailed. I put the book aside repeatedly over the course of a month before I felt ready to commit and finish it, and I’m so glad I waited for the right mood! Because what a payoff. I'll definitely be looking out for Annalise's story coming up.
dnf
September 4, 2025DNF at 59%
Well, this had SO MUCH potential. Like a fellow GR reviewer (Meg (booksandwinewithmeg.blog) Go show her review some love!) put it "nothing really happened, even when something did happen, it was oddly still nothing? But like I was still invested in what happened?".
Aside from the very beginning, this book was a whole lot of nothing happening. It was interesting until it wasn't. At around 55% it just becomes a whole lot of smutty time (which I'm not against, I just want more of a story interwoven in between it all). If I'm being honest, with the way this was going, I was expecting there to be a bigger buildup to the point where they finally sleep together. There was such a missed opportunity to string it along even more with hot and heavy make-outs and whatnot under the guise of "easing him into it". So when it went from 0 to 100 in one chapter, it did catch me off guard. I'm hoping to get to the other books in this series and have my fingers crossed it isn't going to be so similar to this one.
Well, this had SO MUCH potential. Like a fellow GR reviewer (Meg (booksandwinewithmeg.blog) Go show her review some love!) put it "nothing really happened, even when something did happen, it was oddly still nothing? But like I was still invested in what happened?".
Aside from the very beginning, this book was a whole lot of nothing happening. It was interesting until it wasn't. At around 55% it just becomes a whole lot of smutty time (which I'm not against, I just want more of a story interwoven in between it all). If I'm being honest, with the way this was going, I was expecting there to be a bigger buildup to the point where they finally sleep together. There was such a missed opportunity to string it along even more with hot and heavy make-outs and whatnot under the guise of "easing him into it". So when it went from 0 to 100 in one chapter, it did catch me off guard. I'm hoping to get to the other books in this series and have my fingers crossed it isn't going to be so similar to this one.
October 6, 2023
I truly enjoyed the story of Sorcha & Orek- they had a lengthy journey between them! So I read the TWs and generally enjoy some smut-tastic books, was expecting to come across it. For me, personally, a few of the scenes could’ve been removed for redundancy sake. I cannot imagine trying to come up with words for specific body parts like authors must do when writing certain scenes. You’re never going to please everyone with your chosen monikers and unfortunately it was my turn to draw the short straw. The world building was gorgeous, and Orek’s story was so painful yet so heartwarming. Pacing was good until around the 80% mark for me, felt like there could’ve been some additional edits to keep up the flow. Overall I enjoyed this and had a very difficult time putting down the book. Nice, clean ending with no cliffhangers. This would be a perfect stand alone. I received this eARC from the author in exchange for my unbiased opinion. I would recommend this to other readers! Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️. Thank you so much!
Going back to adjust my rating from 4 to 5 stars!
Going back to adjust my rating from 4 to 5 stars!
November 28, 2023
The world setting is interesting enough, I wish there was more worldbuilding, more plot, and a little less smut.
Sorcha is such a force, I'm glad Orek worships her the way she deserves. I love her development and that she literally fights for the ones she loves.
Orek has such a good heart, he's exactly why the book world prefers fictional men. His past couldn't be more tragic and that one deserves his HEA.
I wanted to stop at 64% - I should have stopped. Everything was good at 64% 🥹
And yes, I also liked the rest but I didn't need the anxiety 🤣
Sorcha is such a force, I'm glad Orek worships her the way she deserves. I love her development and that she literally fights for the ones she loves.
Orek has such a good heart, he's exactly why the book world prefers fictional men. His past couldn't be more tragic and that one deserves his HEA.
I wanted to stop at 64% - I should have stopped. Everything was good at 64% 🥹
And yes, I also liked the rest but I didn't need the anxiety 🤣
August 21, 2024
I want to give Orek forehead kisses 💚
October 15, 2023
Story had a good start but after that, fell flat. I also didn’t care for the instalove between the main characters.
October 8, 2023
Book Info:Halfling
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
PoV: Dual
Ending: HEA + Epilogue
Genre: Monster/Fantasy Romance
Re-readability: YES
⛔️Triggers:⛔️ Violence, Death of Enemy on Page, Fighting/Action scenes (somewhat descriptive), Injury and recovery of MMC, Mentions of being kidnapped, MMC rescues FMC after she was sold by slavers to his Orc Clan, Description of the neglect and abuse he suffered being half orc in an Orc Clan, Abandonment of a child (MMC flashback)
Content/Tropes/Kinks: Damaged Hero, Virgin MMC, Forced Proximity (He helps her escape and agrees to return her home), Fantasy Roadtrip, Only One Bed, Found Family, Plus Size FMC, Grumpy Sunshine, Touch Her and Die, He Falls First, She shows him the love he never received
Monster Content: Size Difference, Mating Bond
Summary: This is the first eARC I have ever received, and I am so glad I was chosen, as this is such a sweet & spicy monster romance. Sorcha has been kidnapped by slavers and sold to the leader of Orek's Orc Clan. Orek our poor damaged half-orc will not allow her to be abused by the Orcs and helps her escape. Cue Fantasy Roadtrip vibes, trust is fragile but grows daily as he continues to care for her, keeps her safe, and helps her on their journey back to her home. Along they way they gain an adorable Racoon Kit, Darrah. Orek keeps her safe from multiple dangers, while the affection and dare I say love is growing between Sorcha and Orek.
I give this 4.5 stars with my only "issues" being some areas of the story felt very repetitive and it wasn't always clear when PoV was being switched. Outside of those two things, this story was full of all the things I LOVE. Monster romance, Only One Bed, Damaged Hero, Plus-size Heroine, and found family. This book is all cozy vibes, and the smutty scenes will leave you warm under the collar, and honestly I loved Orek so much because he reminds me A LOT of my my husband, a man I affectionally call Bear.
Below are some of my favorite quotes:
❤️ Love Note: I read smut almost exclusively, so prepare yourself for my spicy shelves 😋 I am annoyed by closed door/fade-to-black spice, so if I read the book and recommend it, count on there being spice. Words are their own source of magic, be kind.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice Rating: 🔥🔥🔥
PoV: Dual
Ending: HEA + Epilogue
Genre: Monster/Fantasy Romance
Re-readability: YES
⛔️Triggers:⛔️ Violence, Death of Enemy on Page, Fighting/Action scenes (somewhat descriptive), Injury and recovery of MMC, Mentions of being kidnapped, MMC rescues FMC after she was sold by slavers to his Orc Clan, Description of the neglect and abuse he suffered being half orc in an Orc Clan, Abandonment of a child (MMC flashback)
Content/Tropes/Kinks: Damaged Hero, Virgin MMC, Forced Proximity (He helps her escape and agrees to return her home), Fantasy Roadtrip, Only One Bed, Found Family, Plus Size FMC, Grumpy Sunshine, Touch Her and Die, He Falls First, She shows him the love he never received
Monster Content: Size Difference, Mating Bond
Summary: This is the first eARC I have ever received, and I am so glad I was chosen, as this is such a sweet & spicy monster romance. Sorcha has been kidnapped by slavers and sold to the leader of Orek's Orc Clan. Orek our poor damaged half-orc will not allow her to be abused by the Orcs and helps her escape. Cue Fantasy Roadtrip vibes, trust is fragile but grows daily as he continues to care for her, keeps her safe, and helps her on their journey back to her home. Along they way they gain an adorable Racoon Kit, Darrah. Orek keeps her safe from multiple dangers, while the affection and dare I say love is growing between Sorcha and Orek.
I give this 4.5 stars with my only "issues" being some areas of the story felt very repetitive and it wasn't always clear when PoV was being switched. Outside of those two things, this story was full of all the things I LOVE. Monster romance, Only One Bed, Damaged Hero, Plus-size Heroine, and found family. This book is all cozy vibes, and the smutty scenes will leave you warm under the collar, and honestly I loved Orek so much because he reminds me A LOT of my my husband, a man I affectionally call Bear.
Below are some of my favorite quotes:
❤️ Love Note: I read smut almost exclusively, so prepare yourself for my spicy shelves 😋 I am annoyed by closed door/fade-to-black spice, so if I read the book and recommend it, count on there being spice. Words are their own source of magic, be kind.
November 6, 2023
DNF - 57%
On her way to visit a friend, Sorcha is captured by human traffickers and sold to a band of orcs. She’s to be a pet for the orc chieftain. However, Orek, the half-orc saves her and they escape together. Orek decides to help Sorcha get home to her family. While pursued by other orcs, they pick up a pet raccoon, stay on a farm with some nice people, and have lots of sex.
I only read a little over half of the book and the masturbation and then sex portion seemed to go on forever. Masturbation can be good for creating sexual tension, but this was a little too much in my opinion.
If it weren’t for a mate bond, I do not see these two characters having a successful long-term relationship. I personally did not find Sorcha to be the most likable/enjoyable character though I was able to empathize with both her and Orek. I know Sorcha is supposed to be a hard worker and a caretaker for her siblings. She thinks she has to take on the weight of responsibility for her family. She’s kind, but overall not that nurturing. To me she seemed a little spoiled and snobby. If she puts a hand on her hip and makes a face, she expects that people will do what she wants. She likes to pretend to act tough and try to push people’s boundaries. She’s resentful of her father’s absence, but wastes no time sharing his status and connections with anyone she encounters. She also makes it a point that she never apologize to anyone for any reason.
On the other hand, Orek is inexperienced and a too-good-to-be-true guy. As an adult, Sorcha is the first attractive woman to treat him with kindness. Of course he’s going to like her. He’s not a bad looking guy and I can’t help but think that after he’s been out in the world for a little while he’s going to meet someone who is much better suited for him. For Orek, Sorcha seems more like a first love rather than a forever love. In this case, the book needs to have an Other Woman just so that I can be sure that Orek would still choose Sorcha when presented with a different and equally desirable choice. This issue was addressed in the book, but I wasn’t convinced that he was choosing Sorcha for any other reason then that she was the first available and sympathetic woman who spoke to his libido.
I didn't want to continue reading a romance novel when I don’t believe that the characters are meant to be together. That along with too much sex in an otherwise uninteresting plot caused me to put the book down.
I was annoyed by the “this male” and “this female” language. I think its supposed to be sexy, but if you know the person’s name calling them female/male after a while just seems disrespectful.
On her way to visit a friend, Sorcha is captured by human traffickers and sold to a band of orcs. She’s to be a pet for the orc chieftain. However, Orek, the half-orc saves her and they escape together. Orek decides to help Sorcha get home to her family. While pursued by other orcs, they pick up a pet raccoon, stay on a farm with some nice people, and have lots of sex.
I only read a little over half of the book and the masturbation and then sex portion seemed to go on forever. Masturbation can be good for creating sexual tension, but this was a little too much in my opinion.
If it weren’t for a mate bond, I do not see these two characters having a successful long-term relationship. I personally did not find Sorcha to be the most likable/enjoyable character though I was able to empathize with both her and Orek. I know Sorcha is supposed to be a hard worker and a caretaker for her siblings. She thinks she has to take on the weight of responsibility for her family. She’s kind, but overall not that nurturing. To me she seemed a little spoiled and snobby. If she puts a hand on her hip and makes a face, she expects that people will do what she wants. She likes to pretend to act tough and try to push people’s boundaries. She’s resentful of her father’s absence, but wastes no time sharing his status and connections with anyone she encounters. She also makes it a point that she never apologize to anyone for any reason.
On the other hand, Orek is inexperienced and a too-good-to-be-true guy. As an adult, Sorcha is the first attractive woman to treat him with kindness. Of course he’s going to like her. He’s not a bad looking guy and I can’t help but think that after he’s been out in the world for a little while he’s going to meet someone who is much better suited for him. For Orek, Sorcha seems more like a first love rather than a forever love. In this case, the book needs to have an Other Woman just so that I can be sure that Orek would still choose Sorcha when presented with a different and equally desirable choice. This issue was addressed in the book, but I wasn’t convinced that he was choosing Sorcha for any other reason then that she was the first available and sympathetic woman who spoke to his libido.
I didn't want to continue reading a romance novel when I don’t believe that the characters are meant to be together. That along with too much sex in an otherwise uninteresting plot caused me to put the book down.
I was annoyed by the “this male” and “this female” language. I think its supposed to be sexy, but if you know the person’s name calling them female/male after a while just seems disrespectful.
September 24, 2023
"If I ever only get one good thing, let it be her."
S. E. Wendel does it again! I adore her novels, and think this may be one of my favorites by her!
Halfling is the story of Sorcha, a woman kidnapped by slavers and sold to orcs, and Orek, the orc who rescues her. As the two journey back to Sorcha's home, they find themselves faced with a new danger: their growing attraction to each other.
I adore the fantasy road trip through the woods + the growing affection between Orek and Sorcha. Also, Orek falling hard and first for her just was *perfection*. I adore Orek: he's a cinnamon roll (who really can kill you), and how he just goes around rescuing woodland creatures and other strays. Furthermore, Orek and Sorcha are just great together. I love how fiercely they protect the ones that they care about.
All in all, I adored this! I'm also really glad that this is the first in the series because I have a few characters that I want to see more of (& maybe be leads of their own stories)
Many thanks to S. E. Wendel for the eARC!
S. E. Wendel does it again! I adore her novels, and think this may be one of my favorites by her!
Halfling is the story of Sorcha, a woman kidnapped by slavers and sold to orcs, and Orek, the orc who rescues her. As the two journey back to Sorcha's home, they find themselves faced with a new danger: their growing attraction to each other.
I adore the fantasy road trip through the woods + the growing affection between Orek and Sorcha. Also, Orek falling hard and first for her just was *perfection*. I adore Orek: he's a cinnamon roll (who really can kill you), and how he just goes around rescuing woodland creatures and other strays. Furthermore, Orek and Sorcha are just great together. I love how fiercely they protect the ones that they care about.
All in all, I adored this! I'm also really glad that this is the first in the series because I have a few characters that I want to see more of (& maybe be leads of their own stories)
Many thanks to S. E. Wendel for the eARC!
October 25, 2023
3.5/5 rounding up to 4 because I'd rather round up than down
This was a cute story but a little too cute. Kinda bugs me when everything is so convenient and perfect. Like how the couple who's barn they stayed at while fleeing, happens to give them both the exact advice they needed to hear, Orek even gets a double dose. They were literal strangers in the beginning. Idk, just a let peeve. Family accepts everything no problem, every single bad guy is brought to justice. Just felt a tad too long and too many tidy bows.
This review feels way more critical than I intended. It was cute, if you feel like a cute story I recommend this, it's just a little too Disney for me (even tho this was explicit and orc gorey, so if Disney was rated R I guess)
This was a cute story but a little too cute. Kinda bugs me when everything is so convenient and perfect. Like how the couple who's barn they stayed at while fleeing, happens to give them both the exact advice they needed to hear, Orek even gets a double dose. They were literal strangers in the beginning. Idk, just a let peeve. Family accepts everything no problem, every single bad guy is brought to justice. Just felt a tad too long and too many tidy bows.
This review feels way more critical than I intended. It was cute, if you feel like a cute story I recommend this, it's just a little too Disney for me (even tho this was explicit and orc gorey, so if Disney was rated R I guess)
October 25, 2025
I have a thing for monster romances now, and while I got lost in it, I loved how it told things from different points of views while being in 2rd person. I love the love, care, and joy and several spicy scenes.
Currently reading
December 13, 2024→ pre-read alsooo! review tbaaa (*´꒳`*) (so far it’s actually not monster kink 😭 it’s a cute fantasy romance)
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