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Regency Monster Romances #1
Plucked by the Orc
Carnival Row meets My Fair Lady with a steamy sensibility. Welcome to the first Regency Monster Romance, in which the Lords of the Hidden Realm have a place in Society but never in the hearts of London’s fine human ladies.
Until Now.
Scratching by as a flower girl, Iris Gabbert speaks first and asks questions later. All the better to survive the rough and tumble East End streets. So if an odd-looking bloke knocks over a basket brimming with a girl’s means of making a living, what else is she to do but give him a tongue lashing he won’t soon forget? Even if it was an accident. Even if his lordship dresses like a right dandy. Even if he is more alluring than any gent who has passed her way before.
Broad of shoulder and abrupt in manner, the infamous Lord Barrington presents a proposition that promises all the honey with none of the bee’s busy work. And no one ever accused Iris Gabbert of passing on an opportunity. Especially not if it brings her one step closer to her dream of buying a shop. For the small price of improving her manners and donning gorgeous gowns, no less.
Duncan Higgins, Second Duke of Barrington, prides himself on his astute observations of human behavior. All the better to mask the pain of never truly belonging in their sphere. Rejected by the woman he’d hoped to woo, Duncan has withdrawn from Society to focus on his anthropological magnum The Curious Customs of the Human Ton. But when his mischievous younger brother Albion presents him with a dare, Duncan quickly embraces the challenge.
To win the wager, Duncan must transform a humble flower girl into a lady “worthy” of acceptance in Society. His work is cut out for him. The girl he intends to slip into their ranks is uncouth. She refuses to soften her voice. Her favorite bonnet sits crooked on her head, and the rest of her wardrobe is appalling. Yet when Iris Gabbert emerges from her first bath at his elegant Mayfair townhouse, the power of Duncan’s desire ignites.
With sufficient income from his family’s mines to indulge her every whim, Duncan draws Iris into his private and luxurious world. Duncan intends to fulfill her every desire. Every last one. But as a newly refined Iris makes her debut, she catches the eye of the Season’s most eligible human bachelor, triggering Duncan’s deepest fears of rejection. Faced with jealousies, misunderstandings, and a treacherous social landscape, can true love—and lust—prevail?
Until Now.
Scratching by as a flower girl, Iris Gabbert speaks first and asks questions later. All the better to survive the rough and tumble East End streets. So if an odd-looking bloke knocks over a basket brimming with a girl’s means of making a living, what else is she to do but give him a tongue lashing he won’t soon forget? Even if it was an accident. Even if his lordship dresses like a right dandy. Even if he is more alluring than any gent who has passed her way before.
Broad of shoulder and abrupt in manner, the infamous Lord Barrington presents a proposition that promises all the honey with none of the bee’s busy work. And no one ever accused Iris Gabbert of passing on an opportunity. Especially not if it brings her one step closer to her dream of buying a shop. For the small price of improving her manners and donning gorgeous gowns, no less.
Duncan Higgins, Second Duke of Barrington, prides himself on his astute observations of human behavior. All the better to mask the pain of never truly belonging in their sphere. Rejected by the woman he’d hoped to woo, Duncan has withdrawn from Society to focus on his anthropological magnum The Curious Customs of the Human Ton. But when his mischievous younger brother Albion presents him with a dare, Duncan quickly embraces the challenge.
To win the wager, Duncan must transform a humble flower girl into a lady “worthy” of acceptance in Society. His work is cut out for him. The girl he intends to slip into their ranks is uncouth. She refuses to soften her voice. Her favorite bonnet sits crooked on her head, and the rest of her wardrobe is appalling. Yet when Iris Gabbert emerges from her first bath at his elegant Mayfair townhouse, the power of Duncan’s desire ignites.
With sufficient income from his family’s mines to indulge her every whim, Duncan draws Iris into his private and luxurious world. Duncan intends to fulfill her every desire. Every last one. But as a newly refined Iris makes her debut, she catches the eye of the Season’s most eligible human bachelor, triggering Duncan’s deepest fears of rejection. Faced with jealousies, misunderstandings, and a treacherous social landscape, can true love—and lust—prevail?
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2024
155 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
do-not-read-this
February 11, 2024AI use = naughty list
April 27, 2024
The plot had a strong idea but fell apart with too many plot holes and character traits were thrown to the side. But the most disappointing part…
How are you gonna promise me monster fucking and then make the smut boring :(
WAIT. AI use? Down to one star.
How are you gonna promise me monster fucking and then make the smut boring :(
WAIT. AI use? Down to one star.
August 16, 2024
We don’t need to worry about AI stealing all jobs yet.
dnf
January 5, 2026Second DNF of 2026 and it’s only January 5th! Help.
I only got 10% into this book but decided to stop. I don’t think the writing was horrible, and I had some interest in what was going on, but I was second guessing a few things.
The cover is said to possibly be AI, and as I was reading this book I worried that the writing may have been too. I don’t know what to look out for, but when an author doesn’t pay a real artist, then who knows if they’re writing their own books.
Again, this is speculation but I wasn’t comfortable continuing just in case. There was also odd grammatical errors like putting a period before ‘and’ rather than a comma. I’d rather just be safe than sorry.
I only got 10% into this book but decided to stop. I don’t think the writing was horrible, and I had some interest in what was going on, but I was second guessing a few things.
The cover is said to possibly be AI, and as I was reading this book I worried that the writing may have been too. I don’t know what to look out for, but when an author doesn’t pay a real artist, then who knows if they’re writing their own books.
Again, this is speculation but I wasn’t comfortable continuing just in case. There was also odd grammatical errors like putting a period before ‘and’ rather than a comma. I’d rather just be safe than sorry.
July 26, 2024
Underhållande. Söt och mysig.
Det kändes lite konstigt att Iris kunde bo hos Duncan utan att det bröt mot alla etikettregler, varför behövdes det inte något förkläde till det? Men, kanske att man inte kan klaga om trovärdighet när det är orcher med som kärleksintresset?
Det kändes lite konstigt att Iris kunde bo hos Duncan utan att det bröt mot alla etikettregler, varför behövdes det inte något förkläde till det? Men, kanske att man inte kan klaga om trovärdighet när det är orcher med som kärleksintresset?
Read
June 11, 2024DNF @30% they were just talking and i like my books with a little more action than that.
February 5, 2025
I like the mix of monster romance and historical romance. It of course reminds me of Bridgeton just monster.
May 5, 2024
I should have DNF’ed this- I basically hated every page. It was really hard to read. I was hoping that a regency orc romance but would fun but I don’t recommend!!
Also rumor has it AI was used in generating the book cover - bad vibes.
Also rumor has it AI was used in generating the book cover - bad vibes.
November 26, 2024
As many of these kind of books cute, but so close to my fair lady that it got a bit boring and predictable
June 21, 2024
My Fair Lady Retread
Perfectly sweet novel that's a My Fair Lady retread. The writing is sharp. The characters are lovely and the conflict typical but the pacing does a disservice to this read. The concept was enticing and why I picked it. I love Monster Romances. I love Historical Romances. So why not read a book that has both? I hoped we would see a tale of a MMC (Orc) trying to vie for the affections of a Lady in the ton. If not maybe a lady not in peerage but still in a social standing. Here getting a play by play of My Fair Lady but with closed door scenes didn't add too much uniqueness to the novelty. Again the writing is good and the characters were nice but wish the author leaned into the characterization more. The novel stalls out around 70% since the storyline was stetched and yhe pacing takes away from the clipped beginning.
Perfectly sweet novel that's a My Fair Lady retread. The writing is sharp. The characters are lovely and the conflict typical but the pacing does a disservice to this read. The concept was enticing and why I picked it. I love Monster Romances. I love Historical Romances. So why not read a book that has both? I hoped we would see a tale of a MMC (Orc) trying to vie for the affections of a Lady in the ton. If not maybe a lady not in peerage but still in a social standing. Here getting a play by play of My Fair Lady but with closed door scenes didn't add too much uniqueness to the novelty. Again the writing is good and the characters were nice but wish the author leaned into the characterization more. The novel stalls out around 70% since the storyline was stetched and yhe pacing takes away from the clipped beginning.
July 26, 2024
Didn't know I'd enjoy My Fair Lady fanfiction this much.
May 18, 2024
Very cute, low stakes. A lovely little retelling of My Fair Lady.
It could have used another round of editing for sure. There was so much more to flesh out! And I would have loved way more spice, but I'm sure the level is just fine for others!
It could have used another round of editing for sure. There was so much more to flesh out! And I would have loved way more spice, but I'm sure the level is just fine for others!
September 30, 2024
I picked this up because of how pretty the cover was and it was free. I did not know this would be a retelling of My Fair Lady but set in a world were orcs from the Hidden Realm have started to come over to the human world.
The hero is the Duke of Barrington, Duncan Higgins and his family are the first but have been discriminated against for their appearance. Despite doing everything to fit in: living in Mayfair because they are wealthy, adopting their fashions and manners of speaking, following the Ton’s social norms still makes him a pariah.
Mamas pull their daughters away from him and he does not have any human friends.
He has an accident with a flower girl outside the Royal Theatre and strikes up a conversation with her. Iris Gabbert is upset that he overturns her flower basket and ruins her flowers. She demands an apology and he has the longest conversation he has ever had with a human. Intrigued by her calling him out and how pretty she is, he offers her deportment lessons and to better her circumstances by giving her a make over. He reasons with himself that teaching her will help with his writing of a guide for orcs intending to live in the human world on what to note of the social norms.
Duncan grows more attracted to Iris but keeps her at arms length because of a bad experience from his past of a human lady of the Ton tricking him.
I have seen reviews that mention either the cover or the story was AI generated and I am not sure what is true.
I liked how Iris never lost her cockney accent and still struggled with speaking like the Ton throughout the book.
The main conflict was whether Duncan loves her as she is or as the women he fashioned her into. The hero feels insecure because he is not human and wonders whether Iris will humiliate him like the woman from his past. I liked the relationship between Duncan and his brother, Albion.
A little too draggy towards the end.
Tropes: Difference social class, close proximity, third act break up
The hero is the Duke of Barrington, Duncan Higgins and his family are the first but have been discriminated against for their appearance. Despite doing everything to fit in: living in Mayfair because they are wealthy, adopting their fashions and manners of speaking, following the Ton’s social norms still makes him a pariah.
Mamas pull their daughters away from him and he does not have any human friends.
He has an accident with a flower girl outside the Royal Theatre and strikes up a conversation with her. Iris Gabbert is upset that he overturns her flower basket and ruins her flowers. She demands an apology and he has the longest conversation he has ever had with a human. Intrigued by her calling him out and how pretty she is, he offers her deportment lessons and to better her circumstances by giving her a make over. He reasons with himself that teaching her will help with his writing of a guide for orcs intending to live in the human world on what to note of the social norms.
Duncan grows more attracted to Iris but keeps her at arms length because of a bad experience from his past of a human lady of the Ton tricking him.
I have seen reviews that mention either the cover or the story was AI generated and I am not sure what is true.
I liked how Iris never lost her cockney accent and still struggled with speaking like the Ton throughout the book.
The main conflict was whether Duncan loves her as she is or as the women he fashioned her into. The hero feels insecure because he is not human and wonders whether Iris will humiliate him like the woman from his past. I liked the relationship between Duncan and his brother, Albion.
A little too draggy towards the end.
Tropes: Difference social class, close proximity, third act break up
November 24, 2024
I needed a break from The Rake Review series, so I picked a regency monster romance, because who doesn't mind some paranormal in their historical romances? Well, me!
Plucked by the Orc had an interesting premise - I'm a sucker for any story inspired by Pygmalion , and this one is basically a paranormal regency version of George Bernard Shaw’s drama.
The main characters were interesting and mostly developed well.
Duncan even seems like he was written slightly neurodivergent, as his "grumpiness" didn't feel just that. He had a particular way of doing certain things and he rarely seemed to catch on to the heroine’s sarcasm.
Iris, the MFC, was fine; her direct personality really balanced Duncan’s inability or unwillingness to partake in the ton's play pretend when it came to social interactions.
I also liked how despite her negative experiences with the upper class, she wasn't prejudiced towards Duncan. That was one of the more interesting aspects of their relationship - he expected her to dislike him because of his specie (?), but not. Initially, she didn't like him because he was rich.
The thing that made me not give this book a full five stars is a weird awkwardness of the prose.
The book reads very smoothly sometimes, and then suddenly there are sentences that don't make sense, like words are missing.
After a while, there are even whole fragments where the narration feels stiff and disjointed, like again something is missing, perhaps whole paragraphs - which is interesting as the book is not exactly short.
Furthermore, there was a weird approach to sex scenes.
The author used words suggesting some high level of spice, but the sex scenes themselves were very timid, almost suggesting this should be a “closed door” romance. I don't know, it felt weird to me.
I suspect the issue might be awkward editing, perhaps even with the use of AI.
4/5 stars
Plucked by the Orc had an interesting premise - I'm a sucker for any story inspired by Pygmalion , and this one is basically a paranormal regency version of George Bernard Shaw’s drama.
The main characters were interesting and mostly developed well.
Duncan even seems like he was written slightly neurodivergent, as his "grumpiness" didn't feel just that. He had a particular way of doing certain things and he rarely seemed to catch on to the heroine’s sarcasm.
Iris, the MFC, was fine; her direct personality really balanced Duncan’s inability or unwillingness to partake in the ton's play pretend when it came to social interactions.
I also liked how despite her negative experiences with the upper class, she wasn't prejudiced towards Duncan. That was one of the more interesting aspects of their relationship - he expected her to dislike him because of his specie (?), but not. Initially, she didn't like him because he was rich.
The thing that made me not give this book a full five stars is a weird awkwardness of the prose.
The book reads very smoothly sometimes, and then suddenly there are sentences that don't make sense, like words are missing.
After a while, there are even whole fragments where the narration feels stiff and disjointed, like again something is missing, perhaps whole paragraphs - which is interesting as the book is not exactly short.
Furthermore, there was a weird approach to sex scenes.
The author used words suggesting some high level of spice, but the sex scenes themselves were very timid, almost suggesting this should be a “closed door” romance. I don't know, it felt weird to me.
I suspect the issue might be awkward editing, perhaps even with the use of AI.
4/5 stars
January 29, 2025
3 stars
Alright, where to start?
Simply put, this is My Fair Lady—but with an Orc. The book’s introduction hinted at jealousy, misunderstandings, and a treacherous social landscape, all of which suggested a more dramatic, angst-filled plot than what actually unfolded. And while I enjoyed the book well enough, it still left me wanting… unlike, apparently, the FMC. But I wouldn’t know, since the spice was vague.
Now, I get it—spice does not a book make. But when you give me an Orc in a historical romance setting, I am expecting a little more heat. So, in that sense, I felt a bit duped.
The writing took a moment to get used to, but once I found the rhythm, I appreciated the change. Hats off to Jenna for bringing something different to the table. The story itself was sweet, cozy, and had a very satisfying ending, which I genuinely enjoyed.
Would I recommend it? Sure—just go in expecting more charm than tension and more sweetness than steam.
Alright, where to start?
Simply put, this is My Fair Lady—but with an Orc. The book’s introduction hinted at jealousy, misunderstandings, and a treacherous social landscape, all of which suggested a more dramatic, angst-filled plot than what actually unfolded. And while I enjoyed the book well enough, it still left me wanting… unlike, apparently, the FMC. But I wouldn’t know, since the spice was vague.
Now, I get it—spice does not a book make. But when you give me an Orc in a historical romance setting, I am expecting a little more heat. So, in that sense, I felt a bit duped.
The writing took a moment to get used to, but once I found the rhythm, I appreciated the change. Hats off to Jenna for bringing something different to the table. The story itself was sweet, cozy, and had a very satisfying ending, which I genuinely enjoyed.
Would I recommend it? Sure—just go in expecting more charm than tension and more sweetness than steam.
October 8, 2024
As the first Orcs to immigrate from the Hidden Realm to England to establish a wealthy trade route, Duncan Higgins feels it his duty to help guide other Orcs through the difficult transition by writing a book on the customs of London's high society. When Duncan offends an impoverished but fiesty flower girl, Iris Gabbert, he spies an opportunity to write a chapter on the ability to transform oneself into the Human Ton's mould of manners and decorum. But as Duncan and Iris grow closer during their lessons, Duncan finds his flower girl is not the only one changing.
Heavily inspired by the classic book "My Fair Lady", this monster and regency twist promises much but falls short due to poor editing. Scenes felt heavily trimmed, with large gaps particularly around the "spicy" parts that shockingly included little to no monster romance.
Heavily inspired by the classic book "My Fair Lady", this monster and regency twist promises much but falls short due to poor editing. Scenes felt heavily trimmed, with large gaps particularly around the "spicy" parts that shockingly included little to no monster romance.
May 1, 2024
I got this during the April 2024 "stuff your kindle" days because it was *regency-era romance* with *orcs* so, like... I had to.
It was cute! Very much "My Fair Lady x Orcs" but it was fun. It hit on some overdone tropes but twisted them slightly so they weren't AS annoying as they could be. It was a bit sexy but most of the sexy happens out of the narration so I wouldn't consider it full "smut" or anything. It was cute! I'm definitely intrigued by the world-building, simple as it is, and am interested in checking out the next book involving the brother plus additional books if/when they are published.
It was cute! Very much "My Fair Lady x Orcs" but it was fun. It hit on some overdone tropes but twisted them slightly so they weren't AS annoying as they could be. It was a bit sexy but most of the sexy happens out of the narration so I wouldn't consider it full "smut" or anything. It was cute! I'm definitely intrigued by the world-building, simple as it is, and am interested in checking out the next book involving the brother plus additional books if/when they are published.
May 30, 2024
3.5 stars.
Almost DNF. First half read way too much like My Fair Lady. Bored me.
Second half was held some originality... almost but better.
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥
Drama: 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣
Dark: 💀
Triggers: Lower class blues
POV: Multiple (2)
Ending: Too quick. I could think of a lot more stuff to write about.
Length: Approximately 241 pages
Recommend: Read it in KU and make your own decision on whether or not to buy it.
Almost DNF. First half read way too much like My Fair Lady. Bored me.
Second half was held some originality... almost but better.
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥 🔥
Drama: 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣 💣
Dark: 💀
Triggers: Lower class blues
POV: Multiple (2)
Ending: Too quick. I could think of a lot more stuff to write about.
Length: Approximately 241 pages
Recommend: Read it in KU and make your own decision on whether or not to buy it.
May 1, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Jenna's writing. The speech patterns in the dialogue had me perfectly hearing the voices of the characters as I read.
The descriptions were lovely and I felt the pacing had a nice rhythm. There wasn't a single section where I felt bored, in fact there were a few scenes I wished continued for longer!
I felt the ending came abruptly, but it's also possible that was me not ready for it to end.
The descriptions were lovely and I felt the pacing had a nice rhythm. There wasn't a single section where I felt bored, in fact there were a few scenes I wished continued for longer!
I felt the ending came abruptly, but it's also possible that was me not ready for it to end.
April 27, 2024
Got to read this as an Amazon freebie and it didn't disappoint.
Low heat, high sweet and intimate moments full of well written dialogue with dialect, and all the warm smiling fuzzy feelings one gets when watching My Fair Lady.
I'm so glad I was able to snatch this one up and can't wait to get my hands on book two.
Low heat, high sweet and intimate moments full of well written dialogue with dialect, and all the warm smiling fuzzy feelings one gets when watching My Fair Lady.
I'm so glad I was able to snatch this one up and can't wait to get my hands on book two.
June 8, 2024
This book was a slow burn for me and I normally don’t like slow burns but I pushed through it. I did like Irises character and how she spoke her mind and was just herself. Duncan was stoic but with Iris around he started to open up more. It was cute seeing their relationship blossom but this book just wasn’t what I normally read.
November 25, 2024
The characters were interesting, I liked the scientist gentle-orc Duncan and the strong willed Iris. There were a few mistakes in the book, the most glaring one: in one love scene Iris took off her nightgown and it slid down her body, then in the next parapraph he touched her through the chemise/shift. Did she put it back on? WTF?
I enjoyed the writing and will give the next book a shot ;)
I enjoyed the writing and will give the next book a shot ;)
July 13, 2024
A monster regency romance? I jumped all over it and while it’s not super spicy, it’s so damn cute and proper with a hint of scandalous that was just right;) give me all the proper British orcs over real men anyday!!! Iris and Duncan were simply the best.
August 14, 2024
Campy but who cares
This is the type of book you read for vibes. The vibes were good enough for me to enjoy. I certainly recommend if you like monster romances. There are only about 3 spice scenes and they're pretty high school iykyk.
This is the type of book you read for vibes. The vibes were good enough for me to enjoy. I certainly recommend if you like monster romances. There are only about 3 spice scenes and they're pretty high school iykyk.
October 7, 2024
If you’re looking for an okay regency romance this is your book. If you’re looking for an orc romance (like I was) this doesn’t even come close. I’ve never read something so unorc like in my entire life. I’m not sure what the creatures are in this book but they’re NOT orcs.
April 22, 2025
DNF - I couldn't get into it
Perhaps it was the dull flow of the writing, or the almost beat for beat retelling of the start of My Fair Lady. But I just couldn't get into this one. Off to re-read the Monster's Ball series.
Perhaps it was the dull flow of the writing, or the almost beat for beat retelling of the start of My Fair Lady. But I just couldn't get into this one. Off to re-read the Monster's Ball series.
February 27, 2024
I thought it was overall a good story. Bummed to say it was without spice. Not a bodice ripper. =( Perfect read for someone that wants a no spice monster romance. Think Mr. Malcolm's List meets orc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
It was cuteeee. I definitely wanted more spice though.
May 1, 2024
Written by AI. Not worth the effort
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews