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Monsters Hollow #1
The Orc and the Manny
Welcome to Monsters Hollow, where love knows no bounds—even in a town full of monsters! Targan Wildethorne A confirmed bachelor, and a historian by training, I haven’t the faintest clue how to care for twin orclings when I unexpectedly become their guardian. I’d love to retreat into the comforting sanctuary of my study, surrounded by my books and papers, but first I need to hire someone to help me with the children. Someone who can teach me the ropes of this new role. Thank the Light for the All-Species Specialized Employment Services! In my most dire hour of need, they find the perfect nanny—ahem, manny —to help me look after my young wards. Now I can finally get back to writing my history of orc folklore for a few hours a day. Or so I thought. Instead I find the captivating new man in my home far too distracting. Max is so much more than I had expected. I’ve never fallen for a human before, but I can’t get him out of my mind. Could he ever feel the same about an orc? Humans are usually too intimidated by our large size and outer appearance. Can Max look past my green skin and tusks to see a man with a heart that yearns for him? And if he does, when he learns the truth about the children will the danger on the horizon send him running? Max MacLeod Working with kids is totally my jam and I’m damn good at what I do. Just call me Maxy Frickin’ Poppins! When a new job prospect comes my way, I’m intrigued. A chance to move to Mystic Hollow (aka Monsters Hollow) to be a well-paid manny for two adorable orclings? Talk about a dream position. Sold! But when I lock eyes with the seriously sexy orc who’s their guardian—and my new de facto boss—for the first time, I’m a goner. Big, muscular, and green all over–he’s giving me full-on Hulk meets stern professor vibes—and I like it. As I get to know him, over meals with the kids during the day and soft-spoken conversations about history at night, I soon realize there’s so much more to Targan than the gorgeous orc who keeps starring in all my naughtiest dreams. He’s quite possibly the kindest, gentlest man I’ve ever met. And he accepts and appreciates every part of me and my flamboyant, full-figured fabulousness. I just want to feed and take care of him—and find out if he’s so deliciously big everywhere . Before I know it, I’m dreaming of being part of a forever family with him and his adorable twins. But an unexpected threat looms in the shadows that could threaten the safety of us all… The Orc and the Manny is a (94k words) cozy small town M/M monster romance featuring a Hulkalicious silver fox orc professor who's better with books than kids, a flamboyant human manny with ALL the skills (think Nathan Lane in The Birdcage meets Mary Poppins), an age gap, a size difference, a three-headed hellhound and a feisty rescue Chihuahua, two adorable orcling twins, and copious amounts of orc…joy!
338 pages, Paperback
First published September 22, 2023
325 people are currently reading
497 people want to read
About the author
Chloe Archer
18 books287 followersChloe Archer writes queer sci-fi and paranormal rom-coms with laugh out loud humor, zany shenanigans, silly acronyms, and plenty of spice!
She currently call Minnesota home, but has lived abroad in places like Montreal, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. She’s hoping to relocate to Scotland permanently in the next few years if the stars align.
Chloe is a fur mama to two adorable Yorkies, Jasper and Teddy, and she loves them in a crazy dog mama kind of way. When she isn’t busy writing, she enjoys visiting friends and family, traveling, reading, binge watching movies and TV shows, and practicing her karaoke skills. She does a mean cover of Pat Benatar and Cher, or so she’s been told.
She currently call Minnesota home, but has lived abroad in places like Montreal, Edinburgh, and Tokyo. She’s hoping to relocate to Scotland permanently in the next few years if the stars align.
Chloe is a fur mama to two adorable Yorkies, Jasper and Teddy, and she loves them in a crazy dog mama kind of way. When she isn’t busy writing, she enjoys visiting friends and family, traveling, reading, binge watching movies and TV shows, and practicing her karaoke skills. She does a mean cover of Pat Benatar and Cher, or so she’s been told.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
March 30, 2026
"How do my tusks look?"Targan is an orc professor who semi-recently obtained custody of his longtime and unfortunately deceased friend's children.
... "Targan, my old friend, you need to relax."
Yara and Harn are good kids, if a bit loud, and wild, and large for their age (well, large if you compare them to human kids but considering they're orcs, they are perfectly normal).
Targan is committed to keeping the children but he cannot do it on his own. Enter Max, the human nanny (the "Manny" as he prefers), who is ready to play Mary Poppins for the ragtag group.
And so their adventure begins.
"The man - er, orc - looks so adorably lost just saying those words that my heart starts to melt like a stick of butter in the microwave."
Okay, so you can tell from the rating that I didn't gel with this book. I picked this one up in part because of the Wicked color scheme but also I'm not one to shy away from ridiculous book concepts.
I've found quite a few hidden gems that way... but this was more cubic zirconium than diamond for me.
Before I get into what I didn't like, I do want to go through a few positives.
1) That audiobook narrator (Greg Boudreaux) read his heart out. I legit thought there was more than one reader - the commitment to everyone's accents was impressive and immediately got my attention.
2) (At times), Max's extreme over-the-top analysis and observations were quite funny. Unfortunately, the that gimmick really was kept at level 9 for most of the book, so while some times I was bemused by his assessment of the world...I also grew tired of it being so one-note.
Moving along: I think what really did a disservice to this book was that no one suffered. There was no challenge to overcome, no personal vendetta or growth that could occur. The reading experience was very stagnant.
The characters you met at the beginning of the book were unchanged throughout and the "plot" was mostly the characters thinking that the other one was hot and hiding their constantly.
Okay, OKAY. I do want to be fair, things did happen but they weren't particularly exciting.
Targan doesn't know how to interact with children, Max shows him the way. But even then, Max barely tries and immediately the children leap at listening to him...honestly, it made me wonder what the heck Targan was doing before Max showed up.
There was a slight ethical conundrum when Max doesn't know how he can attract Targan's attention without the complex issues that arise from power dynamics of fcking your boss...but a page or so later, we find out that Targan's friend is technically the boss so there's no ethical quandary. Yay. Then they and everyone cheers (literally).
Essentially, reading this book felt like a very very very long epilogue to a much more interesting story.
I had to bump the audio up to 3x speed just to make the story feel like something was happening.
September 21, 2023
This book was just fun, it made me smile from start to finish but it wasn't just fluffy, there was a serious element to the narrative which really worked.
Max MacLeod, the manny, was an absolute star and he stole my heart from the moment he sashayed on page, all sass and attitude. He has a heart of gold, a desire to help youngsters which is second to none and a love for his job which is commendable.
When he turns up in Mystic aka Monsters Hollow to take charge of two orc twins who's mother's been murdered by their father, he doesn't expect to also fall in love with the twins' guardian but Dr Targan Wildethorne is just his professorly type!
This book had everything I wanted in a paranormal, it's got great world-building, you get a real sense of the place and the people who live there. It has a strong plotline which doesn't veer off into unnecessary threads, it never becomes too silly or too serious and the romance is super sweet.
I've loved both books I've read so far in this series and I'm very much looking forward to the next one!
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review
Max MacLeod, the manny, was an absolute star and he stole my heart from the moment he sashayed on page, all sass and attitude. He has a heart of gold, a desire to help youngsters which is second to none and a love for his job which is commendable.
When he turns up in Mystic aka Monsters Hollow to take charge of two orc twins who's mother's been murdered by their father, he doesn't expect to also fall in love with the twins' guardian but Dr Targan Wildethorne is just his professorly type!
This book had everything I wanted in a paranormal, it's got great world-building, you get a real sense of the place and the people who live there. It has a strong plotline which doesn't veer off into unnecessary threads, it never becomes too silly or too serious and the romance is super sweet.
I've loved both books I've read so far in this series and I'm very much looking forward to the next one!
#ARC kindly received from the author via GRR Tours in return for an honest and unbiased review
July 25, 2025
If you're looking for an orc romance with a lot of plot, keep on looking because you won't find it here. The plot is as deep as the water in a kiddie pool, but if you're looking for vibes, you're in the right place! There are vibes all over the place... mainly in Max's pants because the man spends a whole lot of time yearning for the orc D, and they are taking things SLOOOOW 😂 Don't worry, things eventually get spicy and you'll be able to laugh at gems like this:
🤣🤣🤣
For real though, the story is cute, sweet, and stupidly OTT. Don't take it seriously and you'll have a good time. The book blurb is exactly what you're going to get. Max, the Manny, is as fierce, fabulous, and flamboyant as he's described. Targan is a big, soft teddy bear just looking for a mate. Monsters Hollow has all the cozy feels and serves as the perfect place for human/monster relations 😏
In the end, I've settled on 4* for this one - 3* for the story and 1* for Greg B's narration. Honestly, half of the fun of this book was the audio. Greg B is always amazing, but he really added extra ✨pizazz✨ for Max. His voice for Targan was nice, deep and perfectly done, but the real winner was his voice for Vash with all of its Scottish brogue 😍 I'm definitely looking forward to his book next! I don't think I would have enjoyed this nearly as much in book form, so if you're going to pick this up, make sure to go for the audio 🎧
🤣🤣🤣
For real though, the story is cute, sweet, and stupidly OTT. Don't take it seriously and you'll have a good time. The book blurb is exactly what you're going to get. Max, the Manny, is as fierce, fabulous, and flamboyant as he's described. Targan is a big, soft teddy bear just looking for a mate. Monsters Hollow has all the cozy feels and serves as the perfect place for human/monster relations 😏
In the end, I've settled on 4* for this one - 3* for the story and 1* for Greg B's narration. Honestly, half of the fun of this book was the audio. Greg B is always amazing, but he really added extra ✨pizazz✨ for Max. His voice for Targan was nice, deep and perfectly done, but the real winner was his voice for Vash with all of its Scottish brogue 😍 I'm definitely looking forward to his book next! I don't think I would have enjoyed this nearly as much in book form, so if you're going to pick this up, make sure to go for the audio 🎧
February 10, 2025
Sweet, cute, cheesy, lovely, low angst, funny. I truly enjoy this type of books. Loved it!
dnf-now-but-might-finish-later
September 27, 2023DNF 40%
Max is a nanny who has been hired to take on two new charges. They are not ordinary children but they are orcs and Targan, their guardian, is in need of help. The children lost their mother in a tragic way and Targan is feeling overwhelmed with his new responsibilities. When Max arrives with his Maxy Poppins ways Targan is relieved. The children are not the only ones charmed by Max.
This is a new to me author, I read a short in the fated mates anthology and I enjoyed it. I'm willing to give their writing another go and see what happens. This one was just not for me. I really tried but nothing was catching/keeping my attention. It is not bad the writing is fine but nothing was going on. I wanted to finish but it was starting to feel like a chore and reading should not feel that way.
Max is a nanny who has been hired to take on two new charges. They are not ordinary children but they are orcs and Targan, their guardian, is in need of help. The children lost their mother in a tragic way and Targan is feeling overwhelmed with his new responsibilities. When Max arrives with his Maxy Poppins ways Targan is relieved. The children are not the only ones charmed by Max.
This is a new to me author, I read a short in the fated mates anthology and I enjoyed it. I'm willing to give their writing another go and see what happens. This one was just not for me. I really tried but nothing was catching/keeping my attention. It is not bad the writing is fine but nothing was going on. I wanted to finish but it was starting to feel like a chore and reading should not feel that way.
June 26, 2024
3.5 stars
May 29, 2024
Audio: um, Greg B… I think this is the first book of yours I have actually have had a hard time listening to. I never thought that would happen! But the voice he chose for Max is so hard for me to listen to. I don’t know if it is me, but the lisp Greg B decided to give him didn’t work for me. I searched the book and nowhere was it said that Max had a lisp. Every other character was great, it was just Max, and he was a main so it was painful for me.
Book: 3.5 stars but DNF @64% due to the audio.
I enjoyed the majority of the book, it was the audio that killed this for me. I never thought that would happen because of Greg B, but there is a first for everything.
I am looking forward to the other books in the series coming out in audio because Vash had that sexy Scottish accent and Ryder is a character I enjoyed when he came up. So those two I will 100% pick up when it comes out.
Overall it had nothing to do with the book itself just the audio. And because of that I have to put a pause on continuing, and take a step back and pick it up another day… it could also be my mood. I am bummed, I was so looking forward to this audio.
Book: 3.5 stars but DNF @64% due to the audio.
I enjoyed the majority of the book, it was the audio that killed this for me. I never thought that would happen because of Greg B, but there is a first for everything.
I am looking forward to the other books in the series coming out in audio because Vash had that sexy Scottish accent and Ryder is a character I enjoyed when he came up. So those two I will 100% pick up when it comes out.
Overall it had nothing to do with the book itself just the audio. And because of that I have to put a pause on continuing, and take a step back and pick it up another day… it could also be my mood. I am bummed, I was so looking forward to this audio.
September 29, 2023
Max the manny and Targan the orc come together to take care of twin orcs. It’s sad how Targan got custody of these 8 year olds. I’m not a fan of kids in books and honestly at about 42% I really should have stopped reading this. *read my highlights to see why. Eeek cringe 😬
Also, the overuse of “honey” was making me cringe. Too campy. Ugh 😣
This book desperately needed editing of so many superfluous scenes and side tangents. It made the book drag. I’m think this will be the last book I read by this author. They like to use 100 words to say one thing when it could have been said in 10. No thanks.
I feel like I read this for days and days 🙄🙄🙄
The conflict gets resolved at the very very end…it’s pretty anticlimactic. This author is not for me. I cringed and thought ugh at all the cheesy dialogue. Ryder is next and I can’t drum up enough interest to read that. Meh.
Also, the overuse of “honey” was making me cringe. Too campy. Ugh 😣
This book desperately needed editing of so many superfluous scenes and side tangents. It made the book drag. I’m think this will be the last book I read by this author. They like to use 100 words to say one thing when it could have been said in 10. No thanks.
I feel like I read this for days and days 🙄🙄🙄
The conflict gets resolved at the very very end…it’s pretty anticlimactic. This author is not for me. I cringed and thought ugh at all the cheesy dialogue. Ryder is next and I can’t drum up enough interest to read that. Meh.
April 22, 2024
"I have a butt plug in my ass and a good fucking in my future. What more could a boy want?"
I had so much fun reading!!! The whole town is full of interesting, sweet monsters.
Max was so funny and fit perfectly in their lil family. I absolutely loved his energy. Our shy Hulkalicious silverfox orc...so sweet and caring.ugh. plus, check out that cover 👀🔥
The book was funny, super fluffy with a touch of smut. The drama was juicy. Hell, the twins' moms story had me so freaking upset. Ohmygosh, and on her birthday, when they visited her grave with their lil letters in hand.TEARS! Max was so good for them.
Princess peach, the CHIHUAHUA had me giggling.... Having a big ass 3 headed hell hound submit and follow her around.. such a queen.
Off to Vash and Ryders' story. I got the ARC, hehe. I'm so excited.
I had so much fun reading!!! The whole town is full of interesting, sweet monsters.
Max was so funny and fit perfectly in their lil family. I absolutely loved his energy. Our shy Hulkalicious silverfox orc...so sweet and caring.ugh. plus, check out that cover 👀🔥
The book was funny, super fluffy with a touch of smut. The drama was juicy. Hell, the twins' moms story had me so freaking upset. Ohmygosh, and on her birthday, when they visited her grave with their lil letters in hand.TEARS! Max was so good for them.
Princess peach, the CHIHUAHUA had me giggling.... Having a big ass 3 headed hell hound submit and follow her around.. such a queen.
Off to Vash and Ryders' story. I got the ARC, hehe. I'm so excited.
October 28, 2024
This was so cute and funny and satisfying 🤩 it's not a 5 stars because there's too much interference of the next book's story
Also the Chihuahua ❤️🔥
Also the Chihuahua ❤️🔥
September 18, 2023
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
Cozy and sweet monster romance.
Entertaining, sweet romance between a orc with ‘Hulk meets stern professor vibes’ and his newly-hired human manny.
This was pretty standard, fun but a little OTT, cute characters but not much going on plot-wise.
The ending is a little roughly put together, but it goes with the insta-love theme. It might not be memorable, but it was enjoyable all the same.
Overall, this book gives exactly what it’s supposed to give, a couple of hours in a magical world and a non stressful happy ever after.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
Cozy and sweet monster romance.
Entertaining, sweet romance between a orc with ‘Hulk meets stern professor vibes’ and his newly-hired human manny.
This was pretty standard, fun but a little OTT, cute characters but not much going on plot-wise.
The ending is a little roughly put together, but it goes with the insta-love theme. It might not be memorable, but it was enjoyable all the same.
Overall, this book gives exactly what it’s supposed to give, a couple of hours in a magical world and a non stressful happy ever after.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
March 29, 2025
Cute, zero angst, slice of life, slow burn romance between a flamboyant human manny and a scholarly orc with two adopted kids. Light fun read.
October 27, 2023
Cute story, but could have been edited down. Very much insta-love which isn't really my jam, but I like the world and the characters, I just wish things had been fleshed out a little more. I am intrigued by the next MCs and story line so I'll pick that one up when it comes out.
February 5, 2025
I’m giving this 5 stars based on the audio. Greg B killed it and I laughed so fucking hard constantly with his different voices for the characters. I could almost hear the deadpan, but besides that this book was just fucking funny and camp and very gay haha and had Rupaul Drag Race references 😂 seriously was HOWLING! The story was a bit predictable but I don’t give a single fuck because I just enjoyed it and smiled like a loon the whole time and it made a shitty day at work go by quicker!
-cute orc children
-manny/boss
-magical town (think halloweentown but with every supernatural creature in it)
-size difference
-plus size rep
-fem character
-hurt/comfort
Plus Orc weenie HELLO?
Can’t wait for the rest to come to audio 🎧
-cute orc children
-manny/boss
-magical town (think halloweentown but with every supernatural creature in it)
-size difference
-plus size rep
-fem character
-hurt/comfort
Plus Orc weenie HELLO?
Can’t wait for the rest to come to audio 🎧
September 16, 2025
This story was just so sweet and swoony and at times very steamy, like a fountain of steam if you know what I mean. *wink wink*
Max, the new manny of two orphan kid orcs is just fireworks personified. He is vibrant not only with his clothing choices and hair colour, but also in personality. He befriends everyone right away and charms all the people he meets. And that includes confirmed bachelor who never leaves the house, Targan, all hus muscley hulkalicious self with the perfect forearms Max can't and won't resist. This being a cozy monster romance, there is no angst and the pining is minimal, like they realize they like each other and decided to start dating. No miscommunication, no misunderstandings, no things left unsaid that could lead to misinterpretations. Exactly the way I like it. They liked each other, said they wanted to date, they go in sweet dates, grow closer, feelings become more pronounced the more they know each other, and it just goes gradually and slowly from zero to infinity. The two orclings Harn and Yara were just adorable and so brave and strong even after what they went through. Targan being their new guardian tested them all but with the help of Max, they learn to live together, to reach an equilibrium and to become a family. It was very sweet seeing the changes from chaos to order, to unity.
I loved Max and Targan, and now I can't wait for the next couple. We already saw a lot of them in this book and I loved what I saw, so much potential there. I'm looking forward to it!
Max, the new manny of two orphan kid orcs is just fireworks personified. He is vibrant not only with his clothing choices and hair colour, but also in personality. He befriends everyone right away and charms all the people he meets. And that includes confirmed bachelor who never leaves the house, Targan, all hus muscley hulkalicious self with the perfect forearms Max can't and won't resist. This being a cozy monster romance, there is no angst and the pining is minimal, like they realize they like each other and decided to start dating. No miscommunication, no misunderstandings, no things left unsaid that could lead to misinterpretations. Exactly the way I like it. They liked each other, said they wanted to date, they go in sweet dates, grow closer, feelings become more pronounced the more they know each other, and it just goes gradually and slowly from zero to infinity. The two orclings Harn and Yara were just adorable and so brave and strong even after what they went through. Targan being their new guardian tested them all but with the help of Max, they learn to live together, to reach an equilibrium and to become a family. It was very sweet seeing the changes from chaos to order, to unity.
I loved Max and Targan, and now I can't wait for the next couple. We already saw a lot of them in this book and I loved what I saw, so much potential there. I'm looking forward to it!
September 28, 2023
Thank you Gay Romance Reviews for letting me review this
Cute world where supernaturals and humans know about each other. There are humans that don’t like the non-humans but our characters live in a sanctuary town protected by magic so no harm can come to them while they’re in the towns limits.
With these types of books you always worry will the children be annoying? Are they going talk like adults? And these kids were cute without being ridiculous.
I really like the little blurbs at the beginning of each chapter from the different books in the world.
I love Princess Peach and Waffles!
I am so excited for Ryder and Vashs book but I have to wait until 2024? How will I survive?
Does Marius get to find love someday? What about Hal? Or any of the wonderful characters we meet? I’m in love with this series and I’ve only read 1.5 books.
Cute world where supernaturals and humans know about each other. There are humans that don’t like the non-humans but our characters live in a sanctuary town protected by magic so no harm can come to them while they’re in the towns limits.
With these types of books you always worry will the children be annoying? Are they going talk like adults? And these kids were cute without being ridiculous.
I really like the little blurbs at the beginning of each chapter from the different books in the world.
I love Princess Peach and Waffles!
I am so excited for Ryder and Vashs book but I have to wait until 2024? How will I survive?
Does Marius get to find love someday? What about Hal? Or any of the wonderful characters we meet? I’m in love with this series and I’ve only read 1.5 books.
May 26, 2024
LOVED THIS!!
I absolutely adored this book! The characters are fun and adorable and so dang lovable! This well-written story gave me all the feels and I loved every word. I think Targan might be my favorite orc I’ve read thus far.
I love this small town, a safe haven for Otherkind, and all of its residents. I’m ready to pack my bags and move to Monster’s Hollow.
With plenty of humor, all the cuteness and sweetness, and tons of heart, this story was utterly delightful. It’s a perfect example of why I’m a big Chloe Archer fan. I want to read all of her books!
I’m very eager to read the next book in this series! (Vash & Ryder’s story)
I absolutely adored this book! The characters are fun and adorable and so dang lovable! This well-written story gave me all the feels and I loved every word. I think Targan might be my favorite orc I’ve read thus far.
I love this small town, a safe haven for Otherkind, and all of its residents. I’m ready to pack my bags and move to Monster’s Hollow.
With plenty of humor, all the cuteness and sweetness, and tons of heart, this story was utterly delightful. It’s a perfect example of why I’m a big Chloe Archer fan. I want to read all of her books!
I’m very eager to read the next book in this series! (Vash & Ryder’s story)
September 29, 2023
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Rating: ⭐⭐
I hate not liking books. For real. But I just couldn’t. I tried, really, I even read until the very end and even though the thought crossed my mind I didn’t DNF it!!
I’m not a big instalove lover. That’s my biggest issue with this book but not the only one. I only kind of like instalove when fated mates are involved (and I don’t consider this romance as such, as I will be explaining later). And on very unusual occasions, there are authors that make me enjoy an instalove romance that doesn’t even have the fated mates trope; but as I’m saying: unusual.
Things were too rushed for me between Targan and Max, and I was profoundly bored by them since it was obvious since the beginning how things would go! Everything in this book is smooth and perfect: Max is the perfect manny and has every skills imaginable: he’s likable, and cute, and funny and empathetic; the orclings are funny and sweet and just the perfect balance between adorable and snarky, and they instantly love Max because, duh, how could they not with how perfect Max is?; then there is Targan, who doesn’t know how to be a parent but catches on pretty fast, and of course he’s big and hot, but tender and romantic too, and he falls instantly for Max, because again: how not?; we also have Vash and Ryder who will be the next MCs, but I will talk about them later on.
I’m sorry but I can’t stand it when characters meet and then they are half in love already. I can understand lust, I can understand intrigue, but these two were too fast, too soon. Even when they are still not together, the dialogues are… obvious! First real conversation between Targan and Max about Max’s role as a manny? Not much is said, but of course there’s enough time to make it clear Vash, and not Targan, is Max’s boss. And then Max starts fantasizing with his not-boss the hot orc. 22% in the book.
Next conversation and they are half dating, the kids catch on there’s something going between them and Targan and Max confess to them they started dating (second day of knowing each other, more or less). And everything goes like this in this book. There’s no development curve, there’s not evolution. Everything is fast and rushed, and I couldn’t help but feel bored by it.
I made myself keep reading, hoping it would get better, but the romance really didn’t, and now that I’ve finished reading it… Nothing much happens here, really. The most interesting thing was Ryder meeting Vash, and that scene was ridiculous too, and not in a funny way.
Are Targan and Max mates? Looks like it, but as with everything else in this book, it feels more like something “convenient” than something meaningful for the story. Mates are not even mentioned until halfway through the book so it didn’t actually feel like a fated mates romance in which the MCs feel unavoidably pulled to each other, and more like a rushed romance with no progress and a pretty plain storyline.Do we have the dramatic situation? Yes. Is it predictable? Also yes. You know what will happen since Targan tells Max about the kid’s situation with their dad…
It’s a pity because I found universe interesting, and I liked the idea behind Monsters Hollow and the Sanctuary Havens. Also, knowing myself as I do I will probably cave in and give the second book a try because… stalkers and bodyguards!! But considering what we have seen of Vash and Ryder so far, I see myself getting disappointed once again.
Rating: ⭐⭐
I hate not liking books. For real. But I just couldn’t. I tried, really, I even read until the very end and even though the thought crossed my mind I didn’t DNF it!!
I’m not a big instalove lover. That’s my biggest issue with this book but not the only one. I only kind of like instalove when fated mates are involved (and I don’t consider this romance as such, as I will be explaining later). And on very unusual occasions, there are authors that make me enjoy an instalove romance that doesn’t even have the fated mates trope; but as I’m saying: unusual.
Things were too rushed for me between Targan and Max, and I was profoundly bored by them since it was obvious since the beginning how things would go! Everything in this book is smooth and perfect: Max is the perfect manny and has every skills imaginable: he’s likable, and cute, and funny and empathetic; the orclings are funny and sweet and just the perfect balance between adorable and snarky, and they instantly love Max because, duh, how could they not with how perfect Max is?; then there is Targan, who doesn’t know how to be a parent but catches on pretty fast, and of course he’s big and hot, but tender and romantic too, and he falls instantly for Max, because again: how not?; we also have Vash and Ryder who will be the next MCs, but I will talk about them later on.
I’m sorry but I can’t stand it when characters meet and then they are half in love already. I can understand lust, I can understand intrigue, but these two were too fast, too soon. Even when they are still not together, the dialogues are… obvious! First real conversation between Targan and Max about Max’s role as a manny? Not much is said, but of course there’s enough time to make it clear Vash, and not Targan, is Max’s boss. And then Max starts fantasizing with his not-boss the hot orc. 22% in the book.
Next conversation and they are half dating, the kids catch on there’s something going between them and Targan and Max confess to them they started dating (second day of knowing each other, more or less). And everything goes like this in this book. There’s no development curve, there’s not evolution. Everything is fast and rushed, and I couldn’t help but feel bored by it.
I made myself keep reading, hoping it would get better, but the romance really didn’t, and now that I’ve finished reading it… Nothing much happens here, really. The most interesting thing was Ryder meeting Vash, and that scene was ridiculous too, and not in a funny way.
Are Targan and Max mates? Looks like it, but as with everything else in this book, it feels more like something “convenient” than something meaningful for the story. Mates are not even mentioned until halfway through the book so it didn’t actually feel like a fated mates romance in which the MCs feel unavoidably pulled to each other, and more like a rushed romance with no progress and a pretty plain storyline.Do we have the dramatic situation? Yes. Is it predictable? Also yes. You know what will happen since Targan tells Max about the kid’s situation with their dad…
It’s a pity because I found universe interesting, and I liked the idea behind Monsters Hollow and the Sanctuary Havens. Also, knowing myself as I do I will probably cave in and give the second book a try because… stalkers and bodyguards!! But considering what we have seen of Vash and Ryder so far, I see myself getting disappointed once again.
June 13, 2024
3.75 ⭐
Such adorableness! The plot was fairly straightforward and predictable and it dragged a bit in some points, but the characters were really adorable 🥰
I can't wait to keep going in the series!
Narrator: Greg Boudreau
Such adorableness! The plot was fairly straightforward and predictable and it dragged a bit in some points, but the characters were really adorable 🥰
I can't wait to keep going in the series!
Narrator: Greg Boudreau
Read
October 16, 2023DNFed pretty early on.
The gay stereotyping wasn't for me.
The gay stereotyping wasn't for me.
September 27, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I got into reading monster romance after my best friend told me to read this trope, so when I saw this one I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed!
This is the first book I read by this author and also the first book I read with an orc as a MC. One of the things I've loved the most about this novel is the explanations/guide/insight at the beginning of every chapter. The POV of each one changes from one MC to the other, and those bits of information at the beginning were great. I enjoyed them very much!
So Targan is an orc who found himself in charge of two orclings. His friend died and left him as the tutor of her kids. He's an ex-professor and dedicates his time to writing books about non-human beings. He's overwhelmed as he never pictured himself as a father. He hires a manny, Max, who entered his life as a hurricane and things never were the same.
It's been such a beautiful story. Max is a force to be reckoned with, full of life, a positive and vibrant person who loves taking care of others. He is a human, but he didn't get fazed in the least about being surrounded by all sorts of different creatures. Targan felt pulled towards Max from the very first time they met, but Max did too.
I just loved how they got to know each other and took things slowly. The way they fit together was so sweet and the kids made them both feel like a family from the start. Targan was a bit possessive, but only a few times throughout the story and it just showed his non-human side. Max and Targan made a lovely couple and I loved seeing how their love bloomed.
This book was romantic and funny. It showed a small town full of different creatures that lived in peace. There was also an unexpected twist that I loved because it made the story interesting. So overall, I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to read more of this author.
This is the first book I read by this author and also the first book I read with an orc as a MC. One of the things I've loved the most about this novel is the explanations/guide/insight at the beginning of every chapter. The POV of each one changes from one MC to the other, and those bits of information at the beginning were great. I enjoyed them very much!
So Targan is an orc who found himself in charge of two orclings. His friend died and left him as the tutor of her kids. He's an ex-professor and dedicates his time to writing books about non-human beings. He's overwhelmed as he never pictured himself as a father. He hires a manny, Max, who entered his life as a hurricane and things never were the same.
It's been such a beautiful story. Max is a force to be reckoned with, full of life, a positive and vibrant person who loves taking care of others. He is a human, but he didn't get fazed in the least about being surrounded by all sorts of different creatures. Targan felt pulled towards Max from the very first time they met, but Max did too.
I just loved how they got to know each other and took things slowly. The way they fit together was so sweet and the kids made them both feel like a family from the start. Targan was a bit possessive, but only a few times throughout the story and it just showed his non-human side. Max and Targan made a lovely couple and I loved seeing how their love bloomed.
This book was romantic and funny. It showed a small town full of different creatures that lived in peace. There was also an unexpected twist that I loved because it made the story interesting. So overall, I enjoyed this book immensely and can't wait to read more of this author.
April 3, 2025
4.5 🐶🐶🐶🐶
March 5, 2024
No sé cómo llegué aquí, pero me divertí y eso es lo que cuenta. Estoy acostumbrada al típico monster romance entre chica humana y un monstruo y bueno, nunca había leído monster romance entre dos hombres. ¡Estuvo potente!
March 10, 2025
Cute and cozy but maybe toooo cozy? The beginning was intriguing and the ending was suspenseful but the middle felt like it dragged on for days.
March 13, 2024
3.5 stars
This was sweet and light (until the last 20 or so pages) but could have had 100 pgs from the middle cut out. Max is a huge cinnamon roll with extra cinnamon spice. Targon is a gentle, if gruff, giant. I liked it, it was bright and colourful, but I got bored in the middle. The action near the end I kind of saw coming, but how it happened was unexpected.
This was sweet and light (until the last 20 or so pages) but could have had 100 pgs from the middle cut out. Max is a huge cinnamon roll with extra cinnamon spice. Targon is a gentle, if gruff, giant. I liked it, it was bright and colourful, but I got bored in the middle. The action near the end I kind of saw coming, but how it happened was unexpected.
June 28, 2024
I really enjoyed the story it was adorable and cute. I think they make the cutest couple.
September 1, 2025
MY OPINION: Chloe says this is a cozy monster romance, and she delivers. I liked this story a lot and highly recommend it. Everything about the concept of this book appealed to me, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The orc in this story is a sweet professor who finds himself the father of two orc children, disrupting his life. He is a professor who likes to get lost in his books and live quietly. Being an instant father changed that for sure. They live in a sanctuary of sorts, where ‘monster hunters’ couldn’t get to them. The twins were safe, but he couldn’t care for them on his own; they were a lot.
Logically, the professor knew he needed a nanny. Max needed a job, and this was a well-paid position, with a mansion to live in. Perfect! The job is everything he hoped for, but the delicious professor, Targan Wildethorne, was a surprise.
They find themselves dancing around each other, but Max isn’t shy and gets what he wants, and he wants him a big sexy orc. He can’t stop his need to care for Targan. Maybe he wore some of his best sparkles, and Targan seemed perfectly happy with the fluff that Max carried around his middle. As far as Max was concerned, the big, shy orc was exactly what he needed.
The two find themselves attracted to each other, and both of them are thrilled and surprised by the fact that they can actually work together. When the twins are threatened and Max is at risk, you can’t stop the big orc from protecting them all.
It's a wonderful love story about two men who are very different, yet appreciate each other's qualities and find happiness together. The four of them (plus a few extras) make an unconventional but perfect family.
The orc in this story is a sweet professor who finds himself the father of two orc children, disrupting his life. He is a professor who likes to get lost in his books and live quietly. Being an instant father changed that for sure. They live in a sanctuary of sorts, where ‘monster hunters’ couldn’t get to them. The twins were safe, but he couldn’t care for them on his own; they were a lot.
Logically, the professor knew he needed a nanny. Max needed a job, and this was a well-paid position, with a mansion to live in. Perfect! The job is everything he hoped for, but the delicious professor, Targan Wildethorne, was a surprise.
They find themselves dancing around each other, but Max isn’t shy and gets what he wants, and he wants him a big sexy orc. He can’t stop his need to care for Targan. Maybe he wore some of his best sparkles, and Targan seemed perfectly happy with the fluff that Max carried around his middle. As far as Max was concerned, the big, shy orc was exactly what he needed.
The two find themselves attracted to each other, and both of them are thrilled and surprised by the fact that they can actually work together. When the twins are threatened and Max is at risk, you can’t stop the big orc from protecting them all.
It's a wonderful love story about two men who are very different, yet appreciate each other's qualities and find happiness together. The four of them (plus a few extras) make an unconventional but perfect family.
January 31, 2024
Omg, this book was fantastic! I love reading paranormals that don't get much attention. Targan was the perfect orc. I loved his bookishness and how sweet and caring he is. He took on his new role as guardian without fuss and asked for help when he knew he was in over his head. Max was such a sassy guy. I was so intrigued by his outlook on life. He had a tough start in life but he eventually got to a point where he was living his life to his satisfaction. Their romance was sweet to witness. I'm glad that even though the chemistry was there from the start Targan still wanted to go slow and woo him.
This was an excellent vol 1 for a series and I can't wait for more.
This was an excellent vol 1 for a series and I can't wait for more.
September 17, 2023
The Orc and The Nanny is a spicy MM rom-com that reminded me of Mrs. Doubtfire, The Beautician and the Beast, and the 90's sitcom The Nanny. It is a pleasant, quick read and hits all the right spots. If that is your jam, look no further.
Fans of Bauldre's Legends and Lattes will be in for a treat.
Fans of Bauldre's Legends and Lattes will be in for a treat.
February 26, 2026
3.5⭐️
Spice: 2.5
Tropes & tags:
orc X human
strangers to lovers
size difference
age gap
mates
found family
supernatural
POV: 1st person, dual
Heat: low-medium heat
Angst: low
Vibe: fun, corny, cute
HEA: yes
Strict top/bottom or versatile: strict top bottom
Content warnings:
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
mentions of domestic violence (no mc involved)
murder
kidnaping
Spice: 2.5
Tropes & tags:
orc X human
strangers to lovers
size difference
age gap
mates
found family
supernatural
POV: 1st person, dual
Heat: low-medium heat
Angst: low
Vibe: fun, corny, cute
HEA: yes
Strict top/bottom or versatile: strict top bottom
Content warnings:
Dubcon: no
Noncon: no
mentions of domestic violence (no mc involved)
murder
kidnaping
Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews