The Single Mom and the Orc

Sweet Monster Treats #4

by Honey Phillips

Her grumpy orc is going to hammer his way into her heart!

When Pippa finds herself in Fairhaven Falls with empty pockets and a brand new baby, she’s thrilled when a sweet - and slightly scary - old lady offers her a job and a place to live. Their new home isn’t much, but it offers a desperately needed shelter.

Then her grumpy orc neighbor comes charging into their lives. She should be wary of the huge male, but when she watches him handling his hammer, fear is the last thing she feels. And when he cradles her daughter so tenderly against that big muscular chest? Her heart isn't the only thing melting!

Trogar likes his own company just fine, thank you very much. When his grandmother insists he help out his new neighbor, he reluctantly agrees. But the more time he spends with the curvy human and her adorable daughter, the more he wants to claim them both as his own.

When Pippa’s past catches up with her, can Trogar keep her and her daughter safe? And when the dust settles, will he have a new family - or the solitary life he no longer wants?

* * *
"The Single Mom and the Orc" is a sweet and steamy monster romance that is the fourth book in the Sweet Monster Treats multi-author, shared world collection.
Each book is standalone, contains its own Happily Ever After, and can be read in any order-- (but the series is likely enjoyed most when read in order, as characters may appear throughout the stories!)

Be sure to explore the other titles in the collection:
• Book 01: "Cookies For My Orc Neighbor" by Michele Mills (2023)
• Book 02: "Candy For My Orc Boss" by Ava Ross (2023)
• Book 03: "Cupcakes For My Orc Enemy" by Honey Phillips (2023)
• Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc" by Honey Phillips (2023)
• Book 05: "Single Dad Orc" Ava Ross (2023)
• Book 06: "Twins For The Wild Orc" by Michele Mills (2023)
• Book 07: "Undercover Orc" by Ava Ross [6 May 2024]
• Book 08: "Protected by the Orc" by Honey Phillips [13 May 2024]
• Book 09: "Arrested by the Orc" by Michele Mills [20 May 2024]

* * *
"The Single Mom and the Orc" is also the fourth story in Honey Phillips' Fairhaven Falls series:
• Book 01: "Cupcakes for My Orc Enemy"
• Book 02: "Trouble for My Troll"
• Book 03: "Fireworks for My Dragon Boss"
• Book 04: "The Single Mom and the Orc"
• Book 05: "Mistletoe for My Minotaur"
• Book 06: "Valentine for My Vampire"
• Book 07: "Protected by the Orc"

Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Monster Romance, Monsters, Paranormal Romance, Novella

165 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2023

Reviews

[Kristina · Rating 2 out of 5]

He’s an OCD orc with a lactation kink. The world isn’t ready for this.

At least my reading goals are back on track.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely feels like Honey Philips is finding her paranormal groove over the last year; I liked this just about as much as most of her sci fi romance offerings. It was was sweet, smutty, and short with a fully developed conflict - sold!

[COURTZ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt as if there wasn’t much of a plot or much romance but I still enjoyed reading it.

[Kimmylongtime · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need a Gran

When I started this book I did not expect to read it cover to cover and not break. I have only read one other Honey Phillips book so far and while that was cute it wasn’t a full length novel. This gave me a good taste of her writing skill and ability to add in a child. I love seeing children on page in novels and this was done seamlessly. I want to continue the world of others and their mates. I wants Flora to match make and be just her absolute fancy self. This was so good and at one point I even teared up.
This was a little different than I have come to see the orcs but I loved it nonetheless.
Happy reading everyone 😍🥰

[jenna williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay listen. This was one of those I saw the title and was like wow anything can get published but then I was like I have to know if it’s good or insane or like what the deal is. And honestly….. it was good. I don’t super get the niche obsession with monster meets human woman romance but like do your thing live your life who am I to judge when I was Team Jacob during the height of Twilight. Plus now I sorta kinda know what an orc is. Which is….knowledge. I guess.

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a delightful story!
I am charmed by the story of Fairhaven Falls’ newest residents. Pippa and her daughter, Daisy, are definitely needing an assist. Flora finds a way to help out. I love Flora with her bright outfits, and meddling, matchmaking ways. Trogar is a super organized ‘neat-freak.’ Can you imagine when he encounters the disarray that surrounds babies? It’s a good thing he falls for delightful little Daisy! You must read to see how Trogar and Pippa come together. Their story can’t be beat!

[isa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Só Deus pode me julgar

[Kailynn (slump 😔)]

self note:

Looks interesting, but it’s 3rd person POV, and I’m not in the mood for that.

[Albi (albireadingromance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet spicy and romantic

[Nikki Landis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorably sweet romance with a loveable, somewhat shy/grumpy orc and his human mate. She's a single mom on the run, and he's the handyman ready to fix up her rental home and mend her heart. I absolutely LOVED this book! So endearing how Trogar falls in love with both baby Daisy and mom Pippa. Plenty of humor, spice, and a HEA. Highly recommended!

[Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: Sweet Monster Treats #2: Fairhaven Falls #3.5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

When Pippa finds herself in Fairhaven Falls with empty pockets and a new baby, she is thrilled when a sweet old lady offers her a job and a place to live. Her new home isn’t much but with the help of her grumpy neighbor it will be livable in no time.

I really loved Pippa and Trogar’s story. I was curious about Trogar after he was introduced in Fireworks for My Dragon Boss and loved that we finally got to know why he is a recluse. Trogar was a sweet, shy, and protective orc who initially was grumpy about having a neighbor but quickly changes his tune when he realizes that Pippa is running from something and needs help. He understands her situation and helps her out around the house while trying not to take all her control away, which was great to see. I really loved that Trogar respected Pippa's concerns about being taken care of and moved their relationship at her pace.

Pippa and Trogar’s relationship is a sweet one that builds over time as they fix the house and get over each of their fears. It was extremely sweet and cute from the very beginning and I liked that the stress at the end wasn’t drawn out. Also, Trogar was so sweet with baby Daisy from the beginning, even when he had no clue what he was doing.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable single mom and neighbors romance. I really am enjoying the Fairhaven Falls books and all of Flora’s matchmaking. I can’t wait to read more.

CW: abusive parents mentioned; controlling husband and brother-in-law; death of spouse in car accident;

[Savagesavvy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet

Dipping my toes into the orc realm, cause why not? Right Jess? Haha
It was a short story, had a cute OCD orc who fell for a single mom while they did some renos together. Only spice I didn't like was the breast feeding LOl considering i'm currently breastfeeding that was just too weird for me haha but whatever floats your boat.No weird alien appendages , small doses of medium spice

[Nancyreadsalotofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

These type of cozy, sweet reads are my jam. I loved it!

Single mom Pippa and her baby Daisy are running from her past. Hiding and escaping from someone, she finds herself making a pit stop in Fairhaven Falls.
Gram is up to her matching making again in this fun series Honey has created!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series - like Hallmark movies only with other (aka paranormals). Pippa and Trogar are the kind of characters I can fall in love with and Daisy? Who doesn't love a cute baby? And while Daisy has no baggage, the adults in her life do and it shapes their personalities giving depth to the story. This tale has all the feel good emotions with a dash of drama and is a great book for reading while sipping on of your favorite fall beverage. Enjoy!

[nic]

br with miya: as a society I think we need to abolish an up and coming microtrope that involves the single mom and their love interests doing things that would normally happen btw a mother and their child. IM TIRED.

[Hailey Siedel · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️/5

This was such a fun and sweet novella! I enjoyed it!

[Jadzia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

[Jess Reads2Much · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in my monster fluff era, don't give me anything serious, I wany sweet orcs and sexy werewolves only.

[Dusty Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pippi and Trogar

A grumpy Orc with self esteem issues meets a single mother who's running from trouble with the help of a little Flora. This was so sweet.

[eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

this whole series is hit or miss for me and i hate it smh

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

[Rylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable and such a sweet easy read

[Nyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Authors: Please don't fetishize/sextualize breastfeeding!*

That bit of uncomfortableness aside, the story was okay; Gran of Fairhaven Falls was up to her matchmaking tricks again. Pippa, a single mom running from an abusive situation, and Trogar, an Orc who thinks he will never be loved.

The transition between slow-burn and erotica was abrupt but did not detract from the tale. And the baby's (Daisy) ability to brighten everyone's mood was adorable.

Oh, and how are you going to introduce a character as Howard but then call him Houston for the rest of the book? I will give this one a 3.5 rounded to 3.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book- it was a great story. I loved everything from the characters to the plot. It all starts when Pippa stops in fairhaven falls with a bit of luck and plotting from the orc’s gran who offers Pippa a place to stay. With some more meddling they have their first meet cute moment and the story grows from there . It had the perfect balance for me of story and spice and I loved the connection he had with Pippa’s daughter Daisy. Fabulous read

[Raven9308 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite of the 6 books I have listened to so far! I love how instantly Trogar is smitten with Daisy and wants to protect her and her momma and be there for them (had realized he was in too deep too late hahaha). I loved his grumpy nature but how he lit up with Pippa and Daisy and how he was totally ok with being an orc dad haha. Like he had no qualms learning how to care for her and them and eventually listened when she wanted to do things her way, so she could be self-supportive and not dependent on another guy. She is wary of males and she rightfully so should be after losing her loved one and how she was treated before.

I liked there was more plot in this one than in others, we have Pippa on the run and we finally get to see the confrontation and how things pan out. We also got to see an adorable romance bloom and see this family come together. Daisy steals the show and listening to Trogar have to deal with diapers (he is a neat freak, that's for sure haha) and see him give little gifts to them and them light up. And how she wanted him to hold her from the very beginning. So many swoon worthy moments in this one. We also get some amazing cameos from previous characters, Flora's intervention hahaha, she is an amazing character who gets better with each book. We also meet a new character who I believe gets his own story (haven't listened to that one yet, can't wait though!).

And did I mention the steam was fabulous and well placed? Pippa has had to be on her own after she was treated horribly from a supposed family member and so Trogar had some work to do to get her to trust him. But he couldn't help his protective nature and his urge to take care of her, especially in the bedroom haha. I love how they clean up the carriage house together, strengthening their relationship and letting things develop (I mean don't get me wrong it's still quick but its more reasonable/relatable than the others haha). I think so far my favorite monsters in Fairhaven are the orcs hehe. Narration was great again, I love the deep timbre of the male narrator, especially for PNR characters and the female narrator really captured the fear Pippa had but how strong she was for her and her daughter and the vulnerability she showed with letting Trogar in. So good!

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great love story that had me glued to the pages right up till the very end. Pippa is a single mum to daughter Daisy after her husband Cody was killed in a car accident but he came from a family that was well off and didn’t do any dirty work even her husband who wanted nothing to do with the caring of his daughter and she was heart broken by this but could nothing about it. Pippa couldn’t take it anymore and left for good taking her Daugghter with her and now she has come to Fairhaven Falls but doesn’t plan on staying but after meeting Flora who offers her her old cottage to stay in but it needs to be fixed up and if she does thats all the payment she wants for it and when she asked about work in the small town Flora offer her a job and the inn as a cleaner/ housekeeper and she excepts it all and is looking forward to finally being able to settle down again in peace. Tregaron is an Orc who is the grandson of Flora who came and got Trogar and his brother Hilda’s from there stepfather who was abusing them and Trogar has settled back down in Fairhaven Falls and is happy but when his grandmother asks him to help at the cottage he knows she is up to something and when he meets the gorgeous female who is now living in the cottage he knows she is his mate but he fights the attraction to her but finds he cannot walk away and helps at every turn and when he meets her baby he is equally drawn to her as well. When Pippa meets Trogar who is a huge Orc she is scared by him at first but there is something more about him and she start feels safe and finds him and all his sexy muscles very attractive too, it’s her weekness. They start seeing each other and there first night together is very hot and steamy and there connection continues to grow into so much more but soon there lives are thrown into turmoil when her past comes for her. How does it all work out in the end and why wont Liam let her go. Great book.

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

[Laura R · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Pippa arrives in Fairhaven Falls, she's a single mother on the run from her past and in desperate need of a place to stay. Which is when she meets the town's resident fairy godmother who tells her that she can give her a place to stay if she can help clean up the cottage… with the help of her grandson. Trogar has been alone for a very long time, living in Fairhaven Falls after his grandmother rescued him and his brother from a terrible childhood. He's known as the town's resident grump, but the moment he meets Pippa and Daisy, Pippa's infant daughter, everything changes in a moment. And what once was a grumpy orc, Trogar finds himself feeling the need to appease Pippa and Daisy and to give them a good life. Both of them are on the run from their pasts, but maybe together they can build a future.

This was so cute. I loved seeing Trogar and Daisy interacting, and of course our grumpy orc can't get enough of being daddy to that little baby. I like the fact that we got to see a lot of the previous main characters in this, and I also love that we got to see a different side to Trogar, who we met in the previous book. I absolutely adored Pippa, who is doing her best as a single mom to care for her daughter. I knew she was running from her past, but I feel like the events that took place at the halloween fair felt so crazy compared to how cozy the rest of the book felt. But again, we knew she was running from something, the question was what was she running from. This spice was nice, and I loved seeing the two of them find their happiness together. I honestly love this series so much so far because every book has felt so cozy and they're all super quick reads so it's not overkill with the coziness. And I'm definitely looking forward to the Christmas themed one next.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're back in Fairhaven Falls and Flora is working her matchmaking magic again. (I'm not even going to clarify that it might not be magic because the lady has an uncanny ability to show up and have the right thing happen at the right time and she somehow gets everyone where they need to be.) This time around, she has a single mom on the run and her loner of a grandson in her sights and YESSSSSS.

So. Pippa initially thinks she's only passing through Fairhaven Falls as she tries to find someplace safe for her and her daughter to hunker down. Flora, however, has other ideas. Soon Pippa's set up in a cottage that needs a little TLC with a grumpy orc neighbor who keeps finding reasons to stop by. Poor Trogar is also a little terrified of all the care a baby needs, but he suck sit up and soon he's changing diapers like a pro.

No lie, Trogar is an utter sweetheart. He might not know much about babies, but he's fierce and protective and willing to learn. He's also a little smitten by Pippa and her sweetness. Soon the two of them (plus Daisy) are spending time together and getting their hearts tangled up.

A little danger, a lot of elbow grease, a baby who is quick to wrap one burly orc around her finger, a brotherly reunion, an orc with a penchant for organization and a willingness to learn, and a lady who found the place she didn't know she was looking for. GOOD STUFF!

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt like a series book

Okay so I know this is part of a series here but the world rules from one book to the next aren't the same and none of the characters that are almost written as if the reader should know them and their love stories aren't in the first book. It's like its book 3 of a different series in which Allison and Charlotte already had books instead of book 2 of the series I found it in.

The only thing this has in common with the first book is that both male leads were orcs except even the orcs seemed to have drastically different rules. Like in one mating was for life and there was no replacement for that mate and it sounded like whoever they first had sex with was their mate. In book 2 there are step fathers and a ton of other creatures that didn't appear to exist within the world mythology of the first book. Also in the first book there was no such thing as a female orc and yet Flora in this book is clearly described as green skinned.

Beyond that and the insta love the only scenes that were really close and brought you truly into the characters heads were the sex scenes the rest of the book sort of felt almost... summarized with a distant narrator and the author seemed to want to rush back to the next sex scene. It was okay but it could have been better with more time and care.

[Christine Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content Warnings:
Child abuse talked about
Domestic abuse talked about
Get to mother by threatening child
Sexism (a womans place)
Sexually explicit content
Suicide mentioned

Representation:
Breast feeding
Single mother

Tropes:
Fated mates
Small town

Words that may bother some readers:
A
Arouse - 14 times
Ass - 1 time
Asshole - 2 time
B
Bastard - 8 times
Breasts - 15 times
Bud - 1 time
Bulge - 3 times
C
Channel - 2 times
Climax - 4 times
Clit - 7 times
Cock - 28 times
Come - 4 time
D
Dammit - 1 time
Damn - 1 time
Drive - 2 times
E
Entrance - 1 time
Erect - 4 times
Erection - 7 times
Erotic - 2 times
F
Folds - 1 time
Fuck - 11 times
G
God (not religious) - 5 times
Goddamn it - 1 time
H
Hard - 1 time
Head - 2 times
Heat - 2 time
Hell - 5 times
Hilt - 1 time
I
Impaling - 1 time
L
Length - 1 time
Lips - 1 time
Lord (not religious) - 1 time
M
Milk - 1 time
N
Nipple - 14 times
O
Orgasm - 1 time
P
Pussy - 2 times
S
Seed - 4 times
Shaft - 7 times
Sheath - 1 time
Shit - 1 time
Slit - 1 time
Slut - 2 times
T
Thrust - 3 times
Tip - 2 times
V
Virgin - 1 time
W
Wet - 1 time