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Pine Ridge Universe
The Orc's Christmas Romance
Welcome back to Pine Ridge, New York, a place where man and monster live in harmony… and even fall in love. But not in Georgie’s case. The hulking green Orc chef of The Pine Loft coffee shop knows that a human woman could put up with an Orc or a workaholic chef, but not both! That is, until he meets Claire, a determined culinary student who falls in love with his food and has no idea of his true identity. Stubborn Claire refuses to stop pursuing the man who captures her heart with his food and his deep, sonorous voice, even if he refuses to show his face. Will her heart still belong to Georgie once she learns the truth? Indulge in a steamy tale of monster romance that will delight fans of C.M. Nascosta and The Minotaur’s Valentine.
Indulge
Size-difference
Grumpy-sunshine
Food fun
Body positive romance
Low-angst (no third-act break up here!)
Dual First-Person POV
Happily Ever After
Indulge
Size-difference
Grumpy-sunshine
Food fun
Body positive romance
Low-angst (no third-act break up here!)
Dual First-Person POV
Happily Ever After
712 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2023
125 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
S.C. Principale
93 books133 followersAuthor of romance with bite.
Especially fond of monster and paranormal romance, but she'll write some all-human romances, too!
Especially fond of monster and paranormal romance, but she'll write some all-human romances, too!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 22, 2023
I'm torn on a rating for this book because I didn't finish it, but it was well-written and adorable. I made it to about 70% before I put it down. It's just much, much longer than it needs to be. There's tension for about 1/3 of the book, and then the protagonists meet in person, and all tension is gone. The smutty bits are good, especially if you like an orc who talks a lot. I really disliked that the orc's name is Georgie. Like this is a grown-ass ORC man, and he's still going by Georgie, which sounds like a small child's name. Not very sexy when the FMC yells it in bed. Also, the conflict with Claire's father was very "poor little rich girl" problems. I did relate to her size issues, the critical mother, and dreaming of a future your family doesn't want for you, but that wasn't enough to keep me reading. We all know what the outcome will be! The title is also misleading because we were nowhere near Christmas at 70%. So, it's not a bad book in all, just too long without enough tension. If you want an easy, cozy, sexy read where everything comes pretty easily to the FMC, then this will probably do ya.
December 25, 2025
It was a cute, spicy romance - with strong relationships and goes hard with the found family trope. The MMC is a grumpy orc chef who MELTS for her. However, the Christmas element is MINIMAL and doesn’t actually start until around 80% - given that the last 10% of the book consists of previews, 10% of festive “cheer” is not really what I was looking for in a Christmas monster romance.
It was also a tad repetitive and given its over 700 pages all together, this made it drag a bit.
It was also a tad repetitive and given its over 700 pages all together, this made it drag a bit.
November 12, 2023
The Pine Ridge Universe is one of my comfort spaces reading wise and this is another dynamite addition to this space. For anyone who struggles with unsupportive and/or abusive family be prepared for the writing on that topic to make you feel both Seen and also probably furious. Could be just me but.... I challenge anyone with that type of family to read this snippet and not have a visceral reaction: "It didn’t pay to snap at her father, a wealthy investment portfolio consultant who handled millions every day and thought he was God’s banker. “That was the deal. I got a business degree.” Don’t get mad. Don’t get emotional. Her father mocked emotions—which was one reason she would rather indulge in her preferred form of therapy—baking. “Now prove that you actually learned something. Come and work for me for two years, and then we’ll see if you want to go play in the kitchen. Trust me, when you make a yearly salary that most restaurateurs will never see in their lifetime, especially with Manhattan rents—you’ll be happy you listened to Daddy.”
As deeply and instantly as I loathed Langdon I fell hard and fast for Claire and Georgie. They're both so heartwarming and sweet in their own ways. Seeing them come together was so satisfying, I absolutely loved this whole journey. 5/5 stars
As deeply and instantly as I loathed Langdon I fell hard and fast for Claire and Georgie. They're both so heartwarming and sweet in their own ways. Seeing them come together was so satisfying, I absolutely loved this whole journey. 5/5 stars
November 20, 2025
I'm honestly so glad this book was so long, I had a challenge for books 600+ and this has been the best 600 book I've read so far.
I read to escape real life and this book allowed me to escape into Pine Ridge. It's cozy, fun, spicy, and has monsters! This book def gave me a food kink 😂 it brings all the spice, but there's actual plot too. The plot is mostly character driven IMO, but there's some physical struggles too. It's about them overcoming their individual struggles, as well as what will make their relationship work.
Grumpy sunshine, size difference, Orc chef with all the food, human student who falls in love with his food, him, & his 🍆, though she thirsts after it for a bit first lol, body positivity from an actual plus size woman. Full HEA and brings the sunshine to your veins with all the feel goods.
Read whatever makes you happy fellow book lovers! Then tell me about it lol.
I read to escape real life and this book allowed me to escape into Pine Ridge. It's cozy, fun, spicy, and has monsters! This book def gave me a food kink 😂 it brings all the spice, but there's actual plot too. The plot is mostly character driven IMO, but there's some physical struggles too. It's about them overcoming their individual struggles, as well as what will make their relationship work.
Grumpy sunshine, size difference, Orc chef with all the food, human student who falls in love with his food, him, & his 🍆, though she thirsts after it for a bit first lol, body positivity from an actual plus size woman. Full HEA and brings the sunshine to your veins with all the feel goods.
Read whatever makes you happy fellow book lovers! Then tell me about it lol.
November 12, 2023
I really liked Georgie and Claire’s story! This story is a great mixture of plot and smut! The spice is 10 out of 5 lol! It has all the feels and a lot of tropes like Orcs, Chefs, and holidays. If you didn’t have a food kink before you definitely will consider it after! Our human mfc Claire was too realistic for me though; Hence the four stars instead of five. I could relate to some of her self-doubt, anxieties, and emotions. I prefer my mc’s to be different than real human’s because for me reading is an escape! I’m truly happy that everything work out in the end! I love the future I see for Georgie and Claire; I know it’s going to be amazing! It will be filled with tons of love, food and children! Lol
December 10, 2023
I don't remember the last time I teared up at so many feelings while reading a monster romance, but here it is. I adored this book! It was soft and sweet and uplifting while being so absolutely naughty and steamy (and kinky! Whew!)... I absolutely loved everything about it. There was low drama, medium angst (self esteem baggage issues) but self inflicted and not between the characters, and all the wonderful support and love that should exist in a relationship. Orcs have always been my favorite anyway, but throw it in the best town ever (I mean, who wouldn't want to move to Pine Ridge?!) with a sunny heroine and a hilariously awesome sister (and supporting cast) that you can't go wrong. Truly a wonderful read!
December 2, 2025
DNF 52%
It is soooo drawn out. There’s just a lot on the FMC’s low self-esteem and her plus size thoughts. Like A LOT! If it’s not a paragraph that’s talking about how much the MMC loves her junk in the trunk, it’s about the ever existing question of, “will it fit?”
When the FMC got the phone call from her dad, where he was basically trying to get her to say she doesn’t want any of his company’s money…and she just rushed through the conversation to get it over with-I just couldn’t roll my eyes hard enough. Without getting to the end of book, we just know that of course that was dumb on her part bc it’s going to be about the trust from her mom. And of course they’ll find some way to get it anyway. It’s just all too predictable and just boring for my taste
December 30, 2023
This is a very long book at around 695 pages. It did not drag, I enjoyed it.
The hero is an orc with green skin and fangs. The heroine is a plus size human woman (she talks about how she has a "pooch" and muffin top and her breasts fall to the size when she lies on her back.
The hero and heroine are both virgins and learn together. He is very large "downstairs" so they have to stretch her and work things out over a few weeks. He never rushes her and is always concerned and stops when she says ouch.
He woos her and they spend lots of time together baking (which they both love to do).
The only angst is from her dad trying to control her but she wins in the end.
The hero is an orc with green skin and fangs. The heroine is a plus size human woman (she talks about how she has a "pooch" and muffin top and her breasts fall to the size when she lies on her back.
The hero and heroine are both virgins and learn together. He is very large "downstairs" so they have to stretch her and work things out over a few weeks. He never rushes her and is always concerned and stops when she says ouch.
He woos her and they spend lots of time together baking (which they both love to do).
The only angst is from her dad trying to control her but she wins in the end.
March 13, 2024
4.25 stars. So many things I enjoyed about this book, but overall it was longer than it needed to be. Regardless, I loved my time with Georgie and Claire, and I hope Georgia’s HEA is in the wings!
Orc MMC, human FMC.
Both virgins - but both keen to do lots of things, and he’s read the Orc manual on how to court a partner.
Sexual experimentation, including work to make him fit (with stretching, vegetable play and knotting).
Lots of food puns cos they are both chefs.
Depression after grief.
Lack of familial support, and beautiful found family dynamic. Pine Ridge is such a cosy place!
Lots of detailed 🌶️ scenes.
Orc MMC, human FMC.
Both virgins - but both keen to do lots of things, and he’s read the Orc manual on how to court a partner.
Sexual experimentation, including work to make him fit (with stretching, vegetable play and knotting).
Lots of food puns cos they are both chefs.
Depression after grief.
Lack of familial support, and beautiful found family dynamic. Pine Ridge is such a cosy place!
Lots of detailed 🌶️ scenes.
November 13, 2023
Cute and wonderful Storyline but also a great Smutty Read!
I loved how long the book was, watching their relationship grow and seeing how they accepted each other and loved each other despite any flaws.
I loved how much food was used brought up in the book too, it was a beautiful addition to the story that they’re both Bakers/Chefs and how well they work together though triumphs and failures.
This felt up to standards of a Hallmark movie but with supernatural and plenty of smut!
I honestly need more books like this in my life!
I loved how long the book was, watching their relationship grow and seeing how they accepted each other and loved each other despite any flaws.
I loved how much food was used brought up in the book too, it was a beautiful addition to the story that they’re both Bakers/Chefs and how well they work together though triumphs and failures.
This felt up to standards of a Hallmark movie but with supernatural and plenty of smut!
I honestly need more books like this in my life!
December 19, 2023
I had a lovely review written and Goodreads crashed..
Take two, safely copied from notes.
I adored this book!! It was thiccc just like our MC’s. It was lovely to relate to a FMC for the first time in ages. I was so inspired by this book it led to my own giant of a husband and I discussing it and our feelings about our bodies. Georgie was a doll, I really enjoyed him.
Some parts of the book were really repetitive, not boring, but could’ve been left out or exchanged for more plot. Still love the book and look forward to reading Georgia’s story.
Take two, safely copied from notes.
I adored this book!! It was thiccc just like our MC’s. It was lovely to relate to a FMC for the first time in ages. I was so inspired by this book it led to my own giant of a husband and I discussing it and our feelings about our bodies. Georgie was a doll, I really enjoyed him.
Some parts of the book were really repetitive, not boring, but could’ve been left out or exchanged for more plot. Still love the book and look forward to reading Georgia’s story.
January 14, 2024
4.0 stars for me. This story had great world building, and characterization. If you want a cozy, cute supernatural town with lots of detailed, fantasy sex? This is likely the book for you. I happen to like all of the above. However, it was INCREDIBLY too long. As in 250 pages or more too long. The pacing is so off.The storyline dragged badly in the middle. And the intimate dialogue was way, way too over the top cringey.
November 5, 2025
So going into this I assumed at almost 700 pages this book was gonna be way too long for a Christmas romance, so tell me why I'm absolutely devastated it's over 😭 this book was everything and more than I ever anticipated and wow I just loved it so much. Only downside is not getting to see further into their future in the epilogue but here's to hoping we will see more of them in the later books. I will for sure be reading Georgia's book next!
November 8, 2023
Such a good storyline. Georgie and Claire are my new favourite couple. Love each other for their strengths and weaknesses. Learn together and teach each other.
If you want a feel good romance where the MC is sweet, living and not opposed to standing up for his partner and a strong FMC who isn't afraid to show her weak side this is a must read.
If you want a feel good romance where the MC is sweet, living and not opposed to standing up for his partner and a strong FMC who isn't afraid to show her weak side this is a must read.
September 7, 2025
This was a long read...
There were lots of inconsistencies. I wanted to at least have a wedding for Georgia and claire. But who would make the food...
She said she'd take courses but then never does.
And no guy for Georgia... At least someone to turn her head???
I did like the story especially her father in court....Priceless!
There were lots of inconsistencies. I wanted to at least have a wedding for Georgia and claire. But who would make the food...
She said she'd take courses but then never does.
And no guy for Georgia... At least someone to turn her head???
I did like the story especially her father in court....Priceless!
December 21, 2023
loved the writing but could have been edited
Look, I read this whole thing. It was great and super cute, but it was LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGG. Like, so long. I think it could have been edited for better flow of story
Look, I read this whole thing. It was great and super cute, but it was LONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGG. Like, so long. I think it could have been edited for better flow of story
January 18, 2024
I can't even way his much i loved this book. 2 characters with body image issues learning to loved themselves together. Super steamy🌶🌶🌶🌶 amazing characters. It left he wanting more. I hope the Silk he more from these 2 characters in the future.
August 4, 2024
Wonderful exciting book
Loved every single thing about this book. Couldn't put it down. The town was great love how disruptive the author is. The characters were so well written. You feel like they are friends.
Loved every single thing about this book. Couldn't put it down. The town was great love how disruptive the author is. The characters were so well written. You feel like they are friends.
November 15, 2023
This is a great story a swe and loving book. The characters in this book pull at your heart strings. I am enjoying this series a lot and would recommend it to all
December 5, 2023
This book is amazing. Spicy, heartfelt, romantic, and has a great plot. Hope to get more of the Pine Ridge universe! Claire is a strong, amazing woman, and Georgie is the best cinnamon bun ever.
December 17, 2023
Good but so long!
Read
December 23, 2023DNF
December 27, 2023
Great
This is a fantastic read would definitely recommend. Love the characters in the book. Can't wait to read the rest of these.
This is a fantastic read would definitely recommend. Love the characters in the book. Can't wait to read the rest of these.
January 22, 2024
The story line is super sweet, but this book is so long for no reason. Nearly 700 pages for a romance is insane.
February 3, 2024
Loved it loved it loved it the grumpy guy.so lovable amazing story. Go get this book
June 18, 2024
Love love love it 😍😍
Read
November 16, 2025DNF at 13%. This was just way too long and I don’t want to incest the time.
January 8, 2024
3.5⭐️
Tropes:
Monster romance
Interspecies romance
Cinnamon roll hero
Small town
The plus size rep is what drew me into this book and it did not disappoint! That and also I found it on a smutty romance forum page for monster romance recs, that also was a big win for me!
I loved that this book wasn’t afraid to use the word round and make it sexy. Claire does have some body confidence issues, which were hammered home by her horrible family over the years, but I liked that the romance with Georgie was not what “fixed them”. Claire worked on herself & worked to love herself too which I always adore seeing in books.
This is a long book but honestly it reads so quickly. The story, the setting and the characters are so fun that it’s easy to read to. It felt like a hallmark movie if hallmark did spicy monster versions.
Perfect for both the Autumn & Christmas season as the book features both quite prominently, this was a super cosy read! I would definitely read more of this authors work!
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Plus size rep
Mental health & positive therapy rep
Tropes:
Monster romance
Interspecies romance
Cinnamon roll hero
Small town
The plus size rep is what drew me into this book and it did not disappoint! That and also I found it on a smutty romance forum page for monster romance recs, that also was a big win for me!
I loved that this book wasn’t afraid to use the word round and make it sexy. Claire does have some body confidence issues, which were hammered home by her horrible family over the years, but I liked that the romance with Georgie was not what “fixed them”. Claire worked on herself & worked to love herself too which I always adore seeing in books.
This is a long book but honestly it reads so quickly. The story, the setting and the characters are so fun that it’s easy to read to. It felt like a hallmark movie if hallmark did spicy monster versions.
Perfect for both the Autumn & Christmas season as the book features both quite prominently, this was a super cosy read! I would definitely read more of this authors work!
Spice:
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Range & Rep:
Adult romance
Plus size rep
Mental health & positive therapy rep
June 24, 2024
this was one of the sweetest amazingly realistic personalities I have ever read. The two main characters had flaws and character. Realistic character. I would have loved to jump into the book and make friends with them. Their romance was sweet and I loved it all.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews