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Monster Underworld #1
The Orc Boss: A Mafia Romance
Skye knows the only way to get over her ex-boyfriend is to get under someone new. But what if that someone is an orc mafia boss?Skye Brooks is an independent fae living in a modern world, though her culture’s old-fashioned beliefs insist she get married and have lots of babies ASAP. As much as Skye tries to follow tradition, she is unceremoniously dumped by her boyfriend after a decade together. To add insult to injury, his booty calls keep coming in and Skye answers every time. To break this toxic cycle, she knows her only option to get over her ex is to get under someone new.Ansel Walsh is an orc mobster on a avenge his parents’ death. He spends every waking moment dismantling his uncle’s criminal business. One night, while hunting his uncle’s cronies, he inadvertently takes the place of Skye's back-alley hook-up. One handsy interaction later, she becomes his unwilling captive.Ansel swears he’s only kidnapping Skye to keep her safe. But when she wakes to find herself handcuffed to his bed, she feels a lot of things. Safe isn’t one of them.
333 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2023
145 people are currently reading
494 people want to read
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January 4, 2023If you love an angsty read then this book is 100% for you. This would also be a great beginner Mafia or Monster Romance if you’re new to either sub-genre.
It was a well written, concise and I enjoyed all the characters for the most part. I’m personally not the biggest fan of angst, and the couple especially the FMC made me want to rip my hair out. The FMC is filled to the brim with insecurities and it was enjoyable to watch her overcome them but I feel like it took too long to get there. The MMC was so frigging sweet and very “her pleasure before mine” type of guy although he also drove me nuts with his lack of communication.
It isn’t a very dark book so when you see Mafia, don’t think it will be. There is some on page torture, and death but it’s not super descriptive or drawn out. Very tame in terms of being a monster romance as well. I sometimes forgot I was even reading about monsters but I enjoyed seeing monsters in a real world, every type of job kind of setting (minus the mafia).
I have one major thing about the book I want to touch upon. I really enjoyed the conversations around Orc immigration and the discrimination they face from Fae. In this world Goblins and Demons also face discrimination and all the work they had to put to find a place in America, plus keep their families fed. It felt very close to home as a BIPOC, I found it extremely relatable. But, with that being said I really wish there was some sort of scene where the FMC, who is a Fae, came to terms with her own privileges by being a Fae. I feel like she often referred to herself as not bigoted, and very progressive in terms of Orcs, Goblins and Demons. It felt a little too “I’m an ally”. Too much like “I can’t be racist because I have a Black friend or Latine friend, etc etc”. Maybe I’m reading too much into it but felt very parallel with our own world regarding White people and BIPOCs. Wish that there was more development there with our FMC regarding this. A sensitivity reader felt needed here if we are going to be writing something into a book that actually takes place in America but with monsters. I felt very uncomfortable 🤷🏽♀️
Thanks again to Lark Green for the Arc!! All opinions are my own.
EDIT: The author took my criticism extremely well and made changes to the book. I haven’t reread it yet but when I do I’ll create a second edit!
It was a well written, concise and I enjoyed all the characters for the most part. I’m personally not the biggest fan of angst, and the couple especially the FMC made me want to rip my hair out. The FMC is filled to the brim with insecurities and it was enjoyable to watch her overcome them but I feel like it took too long to get there. The MMC was so frigging sweet and very “her pleasure before mine” type of guy although he also drove me nuts with his lack of communication.
It isn’t a very dark book so when you see Mafia, don’t think it will be. There is some on page torture, and death but it’s not super descriptive or drawn out. Very tame in terms of being a monster romance as well. I sometimes forgot I was even reading about monsters but I enjoyed seeing monsters in a real world, every type of job kind of setting (minus the mafia).
I have one major thing about the book I want to touch upon. I really enjoyed the conversations around Orc immigration and the discrimination they face from Fae. In this world Goblins and Demons also face discrimination and all the work they had to put to find a place in America, plus keep their families fed. It felt very close to home as a BIPOC, I found it extremely relatable. But, with that being said I really wish there was some sort of scene where the FMC, who is a Fae, came to terms with her own privileges by being a Fae. I feel like she often referred to herself as not bigoted, and very progressive in terms of Orcs, Goblins and Demons. It felt a little too “I’m an ally”. Too much like “I can’t be racist because I have a Black friend or Latine friend, etc etc”. Maybe I’m reading too much into it but felt very parallel with our own world regarding White people and BIPOCs. Wish that there was more development there with our FMC regarding this. A sensitivity reader felt needed here if we are going to be writing something into a book that actually takes place in America but with monsters. I felt very uncomfortable 🤷🏽♀️
Thanks again to Lark Green for the Arc!! All opinions are my own.
EDIT: The author took my criticism extremely well and made changes to the book. I haven’t reread it yet but when I do I’ll create a second edit!
July 14, 2023
yes the fmc was quite annoying and some parts were questionable but i’d be lying if i said i didn’t eat this up. i haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time.
thank you to booksirens and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
thank you to booksirens and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2023
Fantastic. Amazing. Superb . 10/10 would fuck the orc boss again and again.This book was amazing, full of angst and struggles, action and heat, spicy and romance, humor and emotion. Oh and THE DADDY DOM ORC BOSS OF MY DREAMS. Seriously you had me at good girl. Lark Green is going on my author short list of “shut up and take my money”, I devoured this book.
Over all this book was a slower burn, but with steamy moments to tied you over and make you want more. When they get to it though ohhhhhhhh boyyyyyyy let me tell you! *fans self*, THAT WAS SOME HOTT ORC FUCKING, I AM STILL NOT RECOVERED. I’ve never read mafia romance before, but I am an avid monster romance and sci-fi romance reader. I don’t tend to like angsty reads, but this book is making me question all the things I thought I knew about myself. What I do know, is that I love monster mafia romance, especially if Lark Green is writing it. (Seriously Lark, WE BETTER GET MORE CUZ I NEED DEMIE’S STORY.)
The action and tension building was AMAZING.I love action adventures in my romance and this was the perfect level. I loved the flaws, heart, and growth from both characters, and how they were able to go their separate ways, but come back to each other in the end (but also GOD DAMMIT LARK THAT WAS TORTURE YOU FIEND. But I liked it 👀).
Skye, the MFC- I love you girl, you hot, neurotic mess🤣. At first, our MFC struck me as a bit young and naive, and while I still think that she was naive, I also think it makes sense why, and isn’t completely her fault. She’s been gaslit for so long and in a toxic relationship, not to mention her parents set her up mentally to constantly never feel good enough, that I can’t blame her one bit for where she’s at mentally. And after an 8 year relationship with that asshole and no orgasms? Anyone would be beaten down and have zero confidence in themselves. Seeing her at her lowest, and then seeing her find herself with Ansel was just swoon worthy. He showed her that she deserved better, minus the kidnapping. He really was trying to protect her, and I cant believe I’m gonna say this, but she needed to be kidnapped, because she was in danger and too naive to realize how much. I dno if I can fault Ansel too much, and trust me this is very off brand for me and I feel weird saying that 🤣. Girl was a walking bullseye. But eventually they reach an accord and she gets how much danger she is in, and I just loved her whole transformation. Such a satisfying journey of angsty self-discovery.
Ansel. ANSELLLLL. Ugh this man both broke my heart(in a good way) and melted my panties. There were times where I wanted to smack him, hug him, protect him, kiss his stupid face, see that orc dick, ask him to marry me… I am an Ansel fan for life. I honestly don’t think there’s anything I can say that will do him justice. He’s just….perfectly flawed and messy, but has a heart of gold. Just like Skye, but in a different way. Everything about him is exactly what you would hope or want in an orc boss- kind, rogue-ish, funny, bossy, dom-like, protective, complex, could kill with his bare hands, really good at fucking and going down, what more could you ask for?👀
Definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an angsty monster mafia-light book, with action, complex characters, and steamy bossy orc with a massive…heart. And cock.👀🍆
(I received an ARC copy for an honest review.)
Over all this book was a slower burn, but with steamy moments to tied you over and make you want more. When they get to it though ohhhhhhhh boyyyyyyy let me tell you! *fans self*, THAT WAS SOME HOTT ORC FUCKING, I AM STILL NOT RECOVERED. I’ve never read mafia romance before, but I am an avid monster romance and sci-fi romance reader. I don’t tend to like angsty reads, but this book is making me question all the things I thought I knew about myself. What I do know, is that I love monster mafia romance, especially if Lark Green is writing it. (Seriously Lark, WE BETTER GET MORE CUZ I NEED DEMIE’S STORY.)
The action and tension building was AMAZING.I love action adventures in my romance and this was the perfect level. I loved the flaws, heart, and growth from both characters, and how they were able to go their separate ways, but come back to each other in the end (but also GOD DAMMIT LARK THAT WAS TORTURE YOU FIEND. But I liked it 👀).
Skye, the MFC- I love you girl, you hot, neurotic mess🤣. At first, our MFC struck me as a bit young and naive, and while I still think that she was naive, I also think it makes sense why, and isn’t completely her fault. She’s been gaslit for so long and in a toxic relationship, not to mention her parents set her up mentally to constantly never feel good enough, that I can’t blame her one bit for where she’s at mentally. And after an 8 year relationship with that asshole and no orgasms? Anyone would be beaten down and have zero confidence in themselves. Seeing her at her lowest, and then seeing her find herself with Ansel was just swoon worthy. He showed her that she deserved better, minus the kidnapping. He really was trying to protect her, and I cant believe I’m gonna say this, but she needed to be kidnapped, because she was in danger and too naive to realize how much. I dno if I can fault Ansel too much, and trust me this is very off brand for me and I feel weird saying that 🤣. Girl was a walking bullseye. But eventually they reach an accord and she gets how much danger she is in, and I just loved her whole transformation. Such a satisfying journey of angsty self-discovery.
Ansel. ANSELLLLL. Ugh this man both broke my heart(in a good way) and melted my panties. There were times where I wanted to smack him, hug him, protect him, kiss his stupid face, see that orc dick, ask him to marry me… I am an Ansel fan for life. I honestly don’t think there’s anything I can say that will do him justice. He’s just….perfectly flawed and messy, but has a heart of gold. Just like Skye, but in a different way. Everything about him is exactly what you would hope or want in an orc boss- kind, rogue-ish, funny, bossy, dom-like, protective, complex, could kill with his bare hands, really good at fucking and going down, what more could you ask for?👀
Definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an angsty monster mafia-light book, with action, complex characters, and steamy bossy orc with a massive…heart. And cock.👀🍆
(I received an ARC copy for an honest review.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
March 26, 2023DNF at 5%. Nope.
February 4, 2023
I wish I liked this more than I did. The premise was good. Captor/captive, mafia, orc/fae romance? What’s not to like?
I think my primary issue is the heroine. Skye spends most of this book completely obsessed with her ex. And honestly, why is she so obsessed with Carter? He sounds like a grade A douche who made her feel terrible about herself, strung her along for eight years and wouldn’t commit, still texts her for a booty call, was clearly cheating on her when they were together, half asses giving her any kind of pleasure and gives up after 2 min because it’s “too hard”, and has literally never made her O? And then has the audacity to get engaged after 3 months (during which time he was still sleeping with Skye so wtf) and then told Skye she was just a placeholder?! I can’t with that.
As for Ansel, I feel like we just didn’t get enough of him? He fell kind of flat as a character and some of his decisions made very little sense.
And the whole plot completely unraveled itself. All this build up to just…nothing? And then a “twist” that’s also resolved like two seconds later?
I’ve also seen other reviewers comment on the racism and bigotry exemplified in the book (sometimes even by the heroine to a degree) and I would agree. By the time I’d hit the 60% mark I was done with it, but kept going hoping it’d improve. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
2⭐️
I think my primary issue is the heroine. Skye spends most of this book completely obsessed with her ex. And honestly, why is she so obsessed with Carter? He sounds like a grade A douche who made her feel terrible about herself, strung her along for eight years and wouldn’t commit, still texts her for a booty call, was clearly cheating on her when they were together, half asses giving her any kind of pleasure and gives up after 2 min because it’s “too hard”, and has literally never made her O? And then has the audacity to get engaged after 3 months (during which time he was still sleeping with Skye so wtf) and then told Skye she was just a placeholder?! I can’t with that.
As for Ansel, I feel like we just didn’t get enough of him? He fell kind of flat as a character and some of his decisions made very little sense.
And the whole plot completely unraveled itself. All this build up to just…nothing? And then a “twist” that’s also resolved like two seconds later?
I’ve also seen other reviewers comment on the racism and bigotry exemplified in the book (sometimes even by the heroine to a degree) and I would agree. By the time I’d hit the 60% mark I was done with it, but kept going hoping it’d improve. Spoiler alert: it didn’t.
2⭐️
December 23, 2023
I like the combination of mafia and monster - I hadn't read that before.
I love Skye, perfect balance between people pleasing and sass to be authentic.
Ansel is a combination between cinnamon roll and asshole - I hate so many of his decisions, but I still find them understandable.
I particularly liked the classification of why people become criminals - not the mere demonization and I hope that conditions finally change, and not just in the world of Skye and Ansel.
I'd love to read more and hope for a sequel with Briar and Liam.
.
Thank you for trusting me with an e-ARC via booksirens 🖤
I love Skye, perfect balance between people pleasing and sass to be authentic.
Ansel is a combination between cinnamon roll and asshole - I hate so many of his decisions, but I still find them understandable.
I particularly liked the classification of why people become criminals - not the mere demonization and I hope that conditions finally change, and not just in the world of Skye and Ansel.
I'd love to read more and hope for a sequel with Briar and Liam.
.
Thank you for trusting me with an e-ARC via booksirens 🖤
January 20, 2023
DNF @43% this book started out good there was nothing really wrong with this book until I hit this part in the book where the conversation they were having made me feel extremely uncomfortable. The MMC Ansel is talking about the struggles of his people which is suspiciously close to how black people are treated in America. And while pointing out Skye’s privilege instead of recognizing her privilege and feeling empathetic towards him and his species she cops an attitude and gets defensive saying “…but what do I know? I’m just a faerie living in my own privileged world…if you’re so desperate for a job, you can turn off the light this time.” And I feel like we are meant to feel bad her because she’s been kidnapped and I absolutely don’t. It sucks being kidnapped (obviously) but why did the author choose to have her dismiss or ignore the real struggles of his people. Especially since her next door neighbor is very racist towards orcs and was expressing that towards Skye multiple times. It was just uncomfortably similar to conversations I’ve had with my YT counterparts and I don’t want to see that in books.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2023
I've never read a mafia romance book before because I was pretty sure I wouldn't like them. This was a great introduction! Now I am very eager to get Liam and Briar's story.
February 20, 2023
Deeper plot than I was expecting
This book was a tender but painful story of 2 people with SO MANY ISSUES finding love in a world that is prejudiced. It put forward the idea that to be in a relationship with someone society doesn’t like, you have to actively push back against the hate.
Ansel was a sweetie, but effed up so many times. Both MCs said thoughtless things to one another because of their past traumas. I love an imperfectly perfect couple.
Spice: 5 or more scenes
Triggers: violence, SA, trafficking, kidnapping, captivity, emotional abuse (one encounter)
This book was a tender but painful story of 2 people with SO MANY ISSUES finding love in a world that is prejudiced. It put forward the idea that to be in a relationship with someone society doesn’t like, you have to actively push back against the hate.
Ansel was a sweetie, but effed up so many times. Both MCs said thoughtless things to one another because of their past traumas. I love an imperfectly perfect couple.
Spice: 5 or more scenes
Triggers: violence, SA, trafficking, kidnapping, captivity, emotional abuse (one encounter)
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April 20, 2023DNF @65%
I was just bored. I also didn't like this heroine. She was obsessed with her ex, and her personality got on my nerves. Sorry Ansel, I love you but I couldn't finish :/
I was just bored. I also didn't like this heroine. She was obsessed with her ex, and her personality got on my nerves. Sorry Ansel, I love you but I couldn't finish :/
December 20, 2022
Skye is trying to get over her ex by hooking up with a stranger, but a case of mistaken identity gets her kidnapped by an Orc mob boss instead!
This book just tickled me 😂🥰 It’s the perfect blend of funny, angsty, and spicy (I’m rating it 3.5🌶️). The way they meet is hilarious because Skye thinks Ansel is doing some sexy role playing when really he’s genuinely confused but just going with it because she’s cute. Then Ansel’s whole vibe of “Yes I’m kidnapping you - but it’s for your own good!!” is also so funny 👌🏻
Skye is such a relatable character. Her insecurity over feeling worthy of love and wanting to live up to her parent’s expectations perfectly explains why she holds on tooth and nail to the idea of her ex coming to his senses. I was so frustrated by her at times but mostly because I’ve been there too. But like Ansel tells her, she dodged a bullet - a man who strings you along for 8 years but has never made you c*me?! Weak!
Ansel, however, rocks some BODE. That’s Big Orc D!ck Energy. He’s got a mouth on him and the skills to back it up 🥵
This is Lark’s debut novel and it comes out February 1st. You’re not going to want to miss it!
Thanks to Lark Green for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
This book just tickled me 😂🥰 It’s the perfect blend of funny, angsty, and spicy (I’m rating it 3.5🌶️). The way they meet is hilarious because Skye thinks Ansel is doing some sexy role playing when really he’s genuinely confused but just going with it because she’s cute. Then Ansel’s whole vibe of “Yes I’m kidnapping you - but it’s for your own good!!” is also so funny 👌🏻
Skye is such a relatable character. Her insecurity over feeling worthy of love and wanting to live up to her parent’s expectations perfectly explains why she holds on tooth and nail to the idea of her ex coming to his senses. I was so frustrated by her at times but mostly because I’ve been there too. But like Ansel tells her, she dodged a bullet - a man who strings you along for 8 years but has never made you c*me?! Weak!
Ansel, however, rocks some BODE. That’s Big Orc D!ck Energy. He’s got a mouth on him and the skills to back it up 🥵
This is Lark’s debut novel and it comes out February 1st. You’re not going to want to miss it!
Thanks to Lark Green for the ARC - all opinions are my own.
February 20, 2023
DNF @ 70%
The dialogue is weird, the heroine’s a doormat, and the spice just didn’t work
The dialogue is weird, the heroine’s a doormat, and the spice just didn’t work
July 8, 2023
It was cute. I wish it was from both points of view and not just the FMC. It was a cute story overall.
December 29, 2022
I received an ARC of this book in return for a fair review.
Official verdict: 3.5 stars rounded up because debut novels get a little more grace.
So, if you're here because light mafia (and I do mean light, if you're looking for dark angst turn around) mafia is your thing, then this is absolutely the book for you, it's full of mafia men just trying to do the right thing and get a little bit of revenge.
But, if you're here for monster romance, meh. This is a monster romance only in the fact that both characters keep reminding us the hero is an orc. If not for that, he could be any random dude.
All told, a sweet book that probably could have been 25% shorter if the heroine didn't spend literally the first 50% of the book simping over her ex-boyfriend.
Official verdict: 3.5 stars rounded up because debut novels get a little more grace.
So, if you're here because light mafia (and I do mean light, if you're looking for dark angst turn around) mafia is your thing, then this is absolutely the book for you, it's full of mafia men just trying to do the right thing and get a little bit of revenge.
But, if you're here for monster romance, meh. This is a monster romance only in the fact that both characters keep reminding us the hero is an orc. If not for that, he could be any random dude.
All told, a sweet book that probably could have been 25% shorter if the heroine didn't spend literally the first 50% of the book simping over her ex-boyfriend.
Read
January 27, 2023* arc review *
Read about a large green mobster railing an elf.
This debut novel is set in present-day, fantasy Baltimore (yep, we’re in terrapin country, folks).
Tropes and themes included in the Orc Boss: just one bed, adult elf-napping, forced proximity, organized crime (it’s an orc crime family, so technically it’s Scottish mafia but I’m not feeling equipped for expanding on that), semi-public canoodling, size difference, back alley cock fumbling and one cheap blonde wig.
Green excels at writing anxiety. She paints an annoying, exhausting spiral that’s hard to get pull away from, which rings true to my experience. Both main characters are very motivated and mostly singularly minded; Skye by her shitty ex (whether it's getting over him or back under him) and Ansel by fear and guilt.
There is an emphasis on the striation of society that made me, a straight-presenting white lady (so not at all societally marginalized), uncomfortable. Green has since sent out a new, edited copy of the book addressing the content issues regarding marginalized groups. I applaud her for taking feedback and acting on it.
I look forward to seeing Green grow as an author in her future releases.
Read about a large green mobster railing an elf.
This debut novel is set in present-day, fantasy Baltimore (yep, we’re in terrapin country, folks).
Tropes and themes included in the Orc Boss: just one bed, adult elf-napping, forced proximity, organized crime (it’s an orc crime family, so technically it’s Scottish mafia but I’m not feeling equipped for expanding on that), semi-public canoodling, size difference, back alley cock fumbling and one cheap blonde wig.
Green excels at writing anxiety. She paints an annoying, exhausting spiral that’s hard to get pull away from, which rings true to my experience. Both main characters are very motivated and mostly singularly minded; Skye by her shitty ex (whether it's getting over him or back under him) and Ansel by fear and guilt.
There is an emphasis on the striation of society that made me, a straight-presenting white lady (so not at all societally marginalized), uncomfortable. Green has since sent out a new, edited copy of the book addressing the content issues regarding marginalized groups. I applaud her for taking feedback and acting on it.
I look forward to seeing Green grow as an author in her future releases.
January 23, 2023
Overall Rating 3.5 ⭐️
Spicy Rating 2 🌶
A very nice debut from Lark Green. This was a cute book with low conflict (surprising considering it's a mafia book!), and a decent amount of angst.
At points, it did feel like it was dragging and this was definitely more of a slow to slow/medium burn than I was expecting (and used to from most other monster romances).
My main struggle with this book is that for a good portion of it the FMC is still hung up over her ex instead of taking full advantage of the hot orc boss right next to her!
Spicy Rating 2 🌶
A very nice debut from Lark Green. This was a cute book with low conflict (surprising considering it's a mafia book!), and a decent amount of angst.
At points, it did feel like it was dragging and this was definitely more of a slow to slow/medium burn than I was expecting (and used to from most other monster romances).
My main struggle with this book is that for a good portion of it the FMC is still hung up over her ex instead of taking full advantage of the hot orc boss right next to her!
February 1, 2023
DNF. Stop at chapter 1 can’t stand the heroine already. She has no self esteem and I know if I keep reading I’ll just be annoyed. And who the fuck keeps going back to her ex for a lousy sex?
March 21, 2023
I would like to start off by thanking Lark Green for allowing me to read The Orc Boss for free in return for an honest review.
I would like to start off by saying I was happily surprised by our MMC’s personality. I was expecting a gruff, aggressive, short-tempered mafia man but that is not what I got. I received a sweet, kind and witty Orc who only wants what is best for those he loves. This was a very nice contrast to our usual MMC in a mafia romance. However much I may love our Orc Boss, I do have a bone to pick with our MFC. She seemed broken at the beginning of the book and I sympathized for her but as the book went on I slowly gave up all hope in her ever-growing a backbone. At the end of the book I will say that there was character development from most characters, however, I don’t think it was as great as it could have been, I was kind of hoping for more. I do however understand that their story is not done yet, as this is meant to be a series. If you are a first-time Mafia Romance reader and need something more lighthearted this would be perfect for you. However much I may love our Orc Boss, I do have a bone to pick with our MFC.
Now onto the monster romance part… I may have been expecting too much when I read that tag but I feel that without the constant mention of our main characters being Orc or Fae, this could have been a normal mafia romance book. Although I am not complaining because the added monster part did allow for a size difference… I did hope for this book to have a tad more spicy scenes than it did but wow, did the scenes we get ever make the lack of scenes completely worth it, I was constantly fanning myself. For all of my romance trope lovers, allow me to list a few compelling ones that take part in this book. Same bed, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, and second chance romance. The romance aspect in this book had me squealing, laughing, crying, blushing and literally calling my boyfriend to rant (even though he had no idea what I was talking about).
The world-building and backgrounds of each character were amazingly well done. Each character had a pretty in-depth backstory and the world was laid out perfectly so we could better understand the reality our characters were living in. I applaud Lark Green for being able to write a book such as a mafia monster romance all while including important and hard-to-talk-about topics such as racism and trauma but they did it flawlessly. The world that our characters live in is so sad and so well-written that you can’t help but keep reading.
I rated world-building in this book a 5, followed by the story at a 4, and spice and character development following both with a 3. Overall this book came to a 3.75 for me but I decided to be kind and round it up to a 4 because I really did like this book and could not put it down.
I would like to start off by saying I was happily surprised by our MMC’s personality. I was expecting a gruff, aggressive, short-tempered mafia man but that is not what I got. I received a sweet, kind and witty Orc who only wants what is best for those he loves. This was a very nice contrast to our usual MMC in a mafia romance. However much I may love our Orc Boss, I do have a bone to pick with our MFC. She seemed broken at the beginning of the book and I sympathized for her but as the book went on I slowly gave up all hope in her ever-growing a backbone. At the end of the book I will say that there was character development from most characters, however, I don’t think it was as great as it could have been, I was kind of hoping for more. I do however understand that their story is not done yet, as this is meant to be a series. If you are a first-time Mafia Romance reader and need something more lighthearted this would be perfect for you. However much I may love our Orc Boss, I do have a bone to pick with our MFC.
Now onto the monster romance part… I may have been expecting too much when I read that tag but I feel that without the constant mention of our main characters being Orc or Fae, this could have been a normal mafia romance book. Although I am not complaining because the added monster part did allow for a size difference… I did hope for this book to have a tad more spicy scenes than it did but wow, did the scenes we get ever make the lack of scenes completely worth it, I was constantly fanning myself. For all of my romance trope lovers, allow me to list a few compelling ones that take part in this book. Same bed, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, and second chance romance. The romance aspect in this book had me squealing, laughing, crying, blushing and literally calling my boyfriend to rant (even though he had no idea what I was talking about).
The world-building and backgrounds of each character were amazingly well done. Each character had a pretty in-depth backstory and the world was laid out perfectly so we could better understand the reality our characters were living in. I applaud Lark Green for being able to write a book such as a mafia monster romance all while including important and hard-to-talk-about topics such as racism and trauma but they did it flawlessly. The world that our characters live in is so sad and so well-written that you can’t help but keep reading.
I rated world-building in this book a 5, followed by the story at a 4, and spice and character development following both with a 3. Overall this book came to a 3.75 for me but I decided to be kind and round it up to a 4 because I really did like this book and could not put it down.
Read
January 26, 2023arc review✨
Contemporary, monstrous fantasy is a budding genre with intriguing potential. The Orc Boss adds to this growing list of titles, as an organized crime romance featuring ‘kidnapping of convenience’ (more of THAT trope please) and a hilarious back-alley-meet-cute (more of that too, while we’re at it). Lark’s voice is, of course, quite funny. This is a fairly lighthearted read with size-difference, one-bed, and tracking devices (it’s me again, shamelessly begging for tropes). I am grateful for the opportunity to experience her debut!
As other reviewers noted, I had some thematic & content-based concerns centered on representation of marginalized groups. When I sent these notes to Lark, she was exceptionally receptive & responsive. In fact, she made extensive revisions based on feedback from ARC readers & sent a new copy of the book as a result. I truly admire her for striving to take responsibility & make necessary changes. It is an unfortunately rare approach to difficult conversations.
Thoroughly excited to see what else Lark has in store 💕 (though I’ve already gotten hints 😈)
Contemporary, monstrous fantasy is a budding genre with intriguing potential. The Orc Boss adds to this growing list of titles, as an organized crime romance featuring ‘kidnapping of convenience’ (more of THAT trope please) and a hilarious back-alley-meet-cute (more of that too, while we’re at it). Lark’s voice is, of course, quite funny. This is a fairly lighthearted read with size-difference, one-bed, and tracking devices (it’s me again, shamelessly begging for tropes). I am grateful for the opportunity to experience her debut!
As other reviewers noted, I had some thematic & content-based concerns centered on representation of marginalized groups. When I sent these notes to Lark, she was exceptionally receptive & responsive. In fact, she made extensive revisions based on feedback from ARC readers & sent a new copy of the book as a result. I truly admire her for striving to take responsibility & make necessary changes. It is an unfortunately rare approach to difficult conversations.
Thoroughly excited to see what else Lark has in store 💕 (though I’ve already gotten hints 😈)
February 27, 2024
This story was very easy to read, I really like the writing style of the author.
Ansel's a morally grey sweetheart, and while I wasn't too fond of Skye at first, I have to admit she grew on me.
•••
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
Ansel's a morally grey sweetheart, and while I wasn't too fond of Skye at first, I have to admit she grew on me.
•••
I received an ARC. My opinions are my own.
October 5, 2024
Aw man I loved this, it was fun, sweet, and spicy.
November 25, 2024
Nemôžem povedať, že by sa mi to nepáčilo, ale môžem povedať že za tri dni prestávky som úplne zabudla, čo sa tam za 80% knihy stalo.
February 8, 2023
If bad boys and monsters are your thing, Lark Green has just started your year off right with The Orc Boss. I would not call this a quick read for me. However, it made up for it in solid character development and low point Romance beats that just squeezed my heart. Then Green patched it right up again. Good times.
I found the character development in this book to be one of the most satisfying parts of the plot. Green builds up a FMC with struggles and repeatability I felt both kinship with and second hand embarrassment for. This made her growth particularly satisfying.
One should approach this book with appreciation for CWs. I would NOT call this book violently graphic. It isn’t the cuddliest monster romance either though.
Orc Sworn fans who love Finley Fenn’s grovel scenes will probably enjoy this one as well. Yes, we have grovel porn. And it is satisfying. It also might help some to know that if they can handle the darker parts of the Orc Sworn series, I suspect they can absolutely handle this book.
**ARC provided and voluntarily reviewed.**
I found the character development in this book to be one of the most satisfying parts of the plot. Green builds up a FMC with struggles and repeatability I felt both kinship with and second hand embarrassment for. This made her growth particularly satisfying.
One should approach this book with appreciation for CWs. I would NOT call this book violently graphic. It isn’t the cuddliest monster romance either though.
Orc Sworn fans who love Finley Fenn’s grovel scenes will probably enjoy this one as well. Yes, we have grovel porn. And it is satisfying. It also might help some to know that if they can handle the darker parts of the Orc Sworn series, I suspect they can absolutely handle this book.
**ARC provided and voluntarily reviewed.**
March 23, 2024
Skye and Ansel 💕
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: FMC Only
Standalone
Tropes:
✨Mafia
✨Slow Burn
✨Forced Proximity
✨Enemies to Lovers
Skye is a fae and she been with her boyfriend for a decade. He ended up breaking up with Skye and from time to time he will call her for some booty. Skye thinking he going to take her back but in the end he disappoints her. Skye is head over heels for him and she wants to wait for him to come to his senses but she not getting any younger she wants to be married and have children with him. To break cycle with her ex boyfriend her only option to get over her ex is to get under someone new. She set up a dating profile and someone messages her to meet up in back alley only which was a set up..then she meets Ansel😍
Ansel is an orc who is mafia mobster. His mother and father were the head but they were tragically killed. For over a year Ansel and his 2 brothers (not by blood) plotting for revenge for his parents. Accidentally meeting in the back alley he runs into Skye. In a little interaction😏
Ansel wanted to finish what they started elsewhere. Skye ended up being kidnapped by Ansel to keep her safe.
Skye attempt to escaped back fires and she ended up back where at the secret warehouse. In close proximity they both started to feel things for each other but Ansel hold back as he wants to focus on this avenge.
When Ansel thought everything was done with his uncle he left Skye and his brothers behind. He didn’t want to hold them back. Months later Skye ended up getting kidnapped by his supposed dead uncle.
I would love to read more about their story. It HFN for me. Glad Skye and Ansel travels back to his homeland and meet his sister.
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
POV: FMC Only
Standalone
Tropes:
✨Mafia
✨Slow Burn
✨Forced Proximity
✨Enemies to Lovers
Skye is a fae and she been with her boyfriend for a decade. He ended up breaking up with Skye and from time to time he will call her for some booty. Skye thinking he going to take her back but in the end he disappoints her. Skye is head over heels for him and she wants to wait for him to come to his senses but she not getting any younger she wants to be married and have children with him. To break cycle with her ex boyfriend her only option to get over her ex is to get under someone new. She set up a dating profile and someone messages her to meet up in back alley only which was a set up..then she meets Ansel😍
Ansel is an orc who is mafia mobster. His mother and father were the head but they were tragically killed. For over a year Ansel and his 2 brothers (not by blood) plotting for revenge for his parents. Accidentally meeting in the back alley he runs into Skye. In a little interaction😏
Ansel wanted to finish what they started elsewhere. Skye ended up being kidnapped by Ansel to keep her safe.
Skye attempt to escaped back fires and she ended up back where at the secret warehouse. In close proximity they both started to feel things for each other but Ansel hold back as he wants to focus on this avenge.
When Ansel thought everything was done with his uncle he left Skye and his brothers behind. He didn’t want to hold them back. Months later Skye ended up getting kidnapped by his supposed dead uncle.
I would love to read more about their story. It HFN for me. Glad Skye and Ansel travels back to his homeland and meet his sister.
March 26, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: ����🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: Yes!
Perspective: First person from the heroine only
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: No but the last chapter jumps ahead a touch.
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from A Love Less Ordinary )
Should I read in order?
This is Green’s debut!
Basic plot:
Our heroine is ready to get over someone by getting under someone and joins a dating app
Give this a try if you want:
- ‘monster’ romance – this is a contemporary world filled with fae, elf, orcs, humans, goblins, demons
- Scottish orc hero, fae heroine
- heroine nurses hero back to health
- mistaken identity
- scarred hero
- heroine brushes and braids the hero’s hair
- well-endowed hero
- hero washes the heroine’s hair
- dirty talking hero
- hero buys her sexy underwear then later rips them off
- anxiety rep (heroine)
- delicious angst!
- forced proximity
-
Ages:
- Heroine is 33, didn’t see hero mentioned
First lines:
Hey u up?
I always considered myself levelheaded, especially as I barreled towards my mid-thirties at increasing speed. I often found comfort in there being very few things left in this world that could send me into a tizzy.
Except for my ex-boyfriend.
My thoughts:
This book right here….is currently my top read of the year. Green has taken my orc virginity and I’m so glad it was her *sniff. She has immediately become an autobuy author for me and now I have to foam at the mouth until she releases another book since this was her full length debut! I was so in love with this book.
I really enjoyed the build up of sexual tension in this book. I think it was really well done and one of those things I am always chasing in romance. Make me want it. Give me feels. I want to feel that longing and have it so good when they finally come together. And I had it here and it’s one of the reasons I will treasure this book!
This is one of those stories that captured my heart pretty quickly. It was hilarious. Skye was endearing. Ansel was stunning. I was lost. I spent all my spare minutes trying to escape my children and family and read this novel.
Skye works in IT and is trying to recover from her last relationship. I really loved Skye. My heart broke for her as we worked through her issues and her need for love. I think her and Ansel are perfection together.
Ansel is just *swoon. He says the perfect things. He builds Skye up so well and I adored his fall for her.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/thoughts:
Content warnings:
Authors content warning includes
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: ����🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥+
Humor: Yes!
Perspective: First person from the heroine only
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: No but the last chapter jumps ahead a touch.
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from A Love Less Ordinary )
Should I read in order?
This is Green’s debut!
Basic plot:
Our heroine is ready to get over someone by getting under someone and joins a dating app
Give this a try if you want:
- ‘monster’ romance – this is a contemporary world filled with fae, elf, orcs, humans, goblins, demons
- Scottish orc hero, fae heroine
- heroine nurses hero back to health
- mistaken identity
- scarred hero
- heroine brushes and braids the hero’s hair
- well-endowed hero
- hero washes the heroine’s hair
- dirty talking hero
- hero buys her sexy underwear then later rips them off
- anxiety rep (heroine)
- delicious angst!
- forced proximity
-
Ages:
- Heroine is 33, didn’t see hero mentioned
First lines:
Hey u up?
I always considered myself levelheaded, especially as I barreled towards my mid-thirties at increasing speed. I often found comfort in there being very few things left in this world that could send me into a tizzy.
Except for my ex-boyfriend.
My thoughts:
This book right here….is currently my top read of the year. Green has taken my orc virginity and I’m so glad it was her *sniff. She has immediately become an autobuy author for me and now I have to foam at the mouth until she releases another book since this was her full length debut! I was so in love with this book.
I really enjoyed the build up of sexual tension in this book. I think it was really well done and one of those things I am always chasing in romance. Make me want it. Give me feels. I want to feel that longing and have it so good when they finally come together. And I had it here and it’s one of the reasons I will treasure this book!
This is one of those stories that captured my heart pretty quickly. It was hilarious. Skye was endearing. Ansel was stunning. I was lost. I spent all my spare minutes trying to escape my children and family and read this novel.
Skye works in IT and is trying to recover from her last relationship. I really loved Skye. My heart broke for her as we worked through her issues and her need for love. I think her and Ansel are perfection together.
Ansel is just *swoon. He says the perfect things. He builds Skye up so well and I adored his fall for her.
Cock/Hero Stats:
Quotes/thoughts:
Content warnings:
Authors content warning includes
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
March 12, 2023
As much as I love classic fantasy races in modern, contemporary settings, this just missed the mark completely.
Our main character is a fae (which I generally avoid) but there is literally no sign of that, physically or otherwise. She has pointed ears, like elves, but that's it.
Her biggest woes in life are being a pushover, having a nosy, racist neighbor, a mother who constantly talks about how much better her sister is and an ex who is a massive booty-calling asshat she can't say no to.
She's legit just a city girl and our main guy is Scottish, but, like, green with tusks which is mentioned a few times, in case you forget that he's actually an orc.
No race mentioned in this book is described in any other way than what just sounds like a human in a costume, if they're described at all.
"He was a goblin" oh okay, I guess that's all the descriptor I need?? "He was a demon," BUT WHAT DOES A DEMON IN THIS WORLD LOOK LIKE FFS
They could all be regular humans and absolutely nothing would change.
I wish this author would spend some more time actually fleshing out the world, the characters and maybe get better at padding out their prose as well.
It's not ... bad, but it feels as if so much is missing. The main character is sitting at the table, she pushes out her chair, says something, then the guy says something about if they could just talk without her walking away, and I was like ??? When did she actually start walking away?
I can forgive it a few times, but it felt too much like jumping over point B and just hopping straight to C from A.
It felt like a lack of both showing and telling.
The premise showed promise, but it felt like a PG version of what could have been a great R-rated ride.
Our main character is a fae (which I generally avoid) but there is literally no sign of that, physically or otherwise. She has pointed ears, like elves, but that's it.
Her biggest woes in life are being a pushover, having a nosy, racist neighbor, a mother who constantly talks about how much better her sister is and an ex who is a massive booty-calling asshat she can't say no to.
She's legit just a city girl and our main guy is Scottish, but, like, green with tusks which is mentioned a few times, in case you forget that he's actually an orc.
No race mentioned in this book is described in any other way than what just sounds like a human in a costume, if they're described at all.
"He was a goblin" oh okay, I guess that's all the descriptor I need?? "He was a demon," BUT WHAT DOES A DEMON IN THIS WORLD LOOK LIKE FFS
They could all be regular humans and absolutely nothing would change.
I wish this author would spend some more time actually fleshing out the world, the characters and maybe get better at padding out their prose as well.
It's not ... bad, but it feels as if so much is missing. The main character is sitting at the table, she pushes out her chair, says something, then the guy says something about if they could just talk without her walking away, and I was like ??? When did she actually start walking away?
I can forgive it a few times, but it felt too much like jumping over point B and just hopping straight to C from A.
It felt like a lack of both showing and telling.
The premise showed promise, but it felt like a PG version of what could have been a great R-rated ride.
Read
May 30, 2024On page 1, we meet Skye, the main character, at a hilariously awkward moment. She's determined not to answer her exe's booty call, but just as she's about to take care of things herself, "can’t make bad decisions if I’m not horny," her trusty vibrator gives out. And that's just the beginning of Skye’s problems!
The Orc Boss is the monster/mafia romance mashup that I never knew I always wanted. It's super sexy and high on angst. If you enjoy the torture of intense sexual attraction dueling against stubbornness and emotional and mental hang ups, you are in for a delicious treat. I was in it, yelling at characters, and desperately rooting for an HEA the author had me despairing of to the very end!
This quote from the cover blurb is a great indicator of what you're in for with this fantastic debut novel from Lark Green. "Ansel swears he’s only kidnapping Skye to keep her safe. But when she wakes to find herself handcuffed to his bed, she feels a lot of things. Safe isn’t one of them."
The Orc Boss is the monster/mafia romance mashup that I never knew I always wanted. It's super sexy and high on angst. If you enjoy the torture of intense sexual attraction dueling against stubbornness and emotional and mental hang ups, you are in for a delicious treat. I was in it, yelling at characters, and desperately rooting for an HEA the author had me despairing of to the very end!
This quote from the cover blurb is a great indicator of what you're in for with this fantastic debut novel from Lark Green. "Ansel swears he’s only kidnapping Skye to keep her safe. But when she wakes to find herself handcuffed to his bed, she feels a lot of things. Safe isn’t one of them."
August 4, 2024
This was a pretty ok book BUT there were a few things that ruined it for me (Long rant incoming btw)
PLOT:
Skye is a fae woman floundering in life. She's anxious, sad, rudderless, horny and just broke up with her crappy boyfriend of 8 years. Figuring that what she needs is a quick, no strings attached hookup, she gets on a dating app and makes an appointment with a guy. When she shows up for the date, she finds another guy already there, an orc named Ansel and when they are discovered together, he kidnaps her to keep her safe. This is their story.
THOUGHTS:
- I LOVED this story at first! These books are usually pretty basic (heroine meets orc, there's some sort of problem, sexual tension, hookup and happily ever after) but this was different. I feel this story could have been WAY better if it was cut down and refined a bit. Some parts felt really drawn out and angsty and I found myself wishing things would just wrap up / MOVE it along a bit more. I love angst, but even I started getting impatient after another chapter of the leads not getting together and the plot meandering along.
ANSEL - Ansel is a great character. As a recovered ex-playboy and mafia boss, he lives his life with a strict code and his ultimate goal is to avenge his parents death and fix the mistakes he's made in his past. He's got a lot of guilt on his shoulders and demons he's dealing with but he still manages to be solid, loyal, witty, immovable and strong. Also, Scottish accent anyone? BUT paired with Skye he fell flat and it felt like a chore to keep reading.
SKYE - Skye is a little more complicated for me. I really liked her at first, she's a girl struggling with a menial job, nosey neighbor and the breakdown of a long term relationship she thought would end in marriage. All this made her interesting at first but it steadily goes down hill from there. She's insecure and thinks she's unattractive, too tall and awkward (sexually and normally). She's a little neurotic and though she's been in therapy for a while it doesn't really seem to have helped / she doesn't take her therapist's guidance to heart. She's totally stuck on her loser ex for most of the book and desperately hopes if she responds to his booty calls, he'll take her back. (CRINGE). She doesn't really have any friends (aside from her work friend) and no hobbies aside from Boxercise classes she attends.
She's always feeling sorry for herself, her mom is clearly preoccupied with her little sister's success and Skye is super jealous of her as a result. All in all the more I learned about Skye, the less I liked her. She's also living life in her own bubble, she doesn't realize she's privileged and how bad things are for some groups (like orcs). She says really dumb hurtful things when she's hurt and she's constantly licking her wounds (the comment she makes to Ansel at the restaurant about his cock / their relationship was super objectifying and crass IMO). I get why she's written like this but I just wanted to grab her by the shoulders and tell "GET IT TOGETHER GIRL". Also - the scene when she "gets back at her ex" - I HATED that. Really? She attacks him wearing a sexy outfit? We're supposed to applaud her for that? It just read as really sad and retaliatory. I really wish we had gotten to see Skye grow, learn to value herself and stop being a sad, jealous girl with low self-esteem. I get that it's character development but it was so much we barely get to see anything good or redeeming about her.
- THE SMUT: We all read these books for the sexy times but I felt a little let down. Sure there are small scenes here and there but they buildup to the couple getting together for the first time and its.... Under a grimy bridge, is over in like a minute and that's that. Plus we had to wait AGES for that to even happen. I kept reading thinking things would speed up and they would decide to be together/ address their feelings but NOOOOOOPE.
- RACISM AND BIGOTRY: I thought that was handled in an ok manner but it was pretty depressing to read. When the book starts, Skye is basically oblivious to the fact fae and elves are seen as "better / more desirable" and orcs, demons, goblins etc. are basically second class citizens. She doesn't rebuke her neighbor when she starts being all racist and when confronted with the issues when talking with Ansel she's basically all "my boss is a quarter orc and there's affirmative action in place so ur wrong". It's only when she's out on her own and gets treated badly for being a "privileged fairy" does she kind of get what's going on in the real world. Next when she does start being outspoken and tries to be better she literally gets taken by an orc who's trying to hurt her, basically proving her racist neighbors point that she SHOULD have been worried about orcs hanging around her place. It made me feel super weird tbh.
Lastly ... I kind of hated the ending and that's why, even though I enjoyed the book I had to dock stars. I HATED how weak Skye continued to be, she's supposed to have grown, become her own woman but nope, she's just hung up on Ansel now and was even considering flying across the world to chase / be with him. That's just sad! She has her monologue moment where she's basically all "I'm worth it, I'm tough and awesome" but SHE STILLends up tying her worth and happiness to a guy. IDK, I really just expected more and after the SUUUUPER drawn out plot I got whiplash with the random twists at the end.
PLOT:
Skye is a fae woman floundering in life. She's anxious, sad, rudderless, horny and just broke up with her crappy boyfriend of 8 years. Figuring that what she needs is a quick, no strings attached hookup, she gets on a dating app and makes an appointment with a guy. When she shows up for the date, she finds another guy already there, an orc named Ansel and when they are discovered together, he kidnaps her to keep her safe. This is their story.
THOUGHTS:
- I LOVED this story at first! These books are usually pretty basic (heroine meets orc, there's some sort of problem, sexual tension, hookup and happily ever after) but this was different. I feel this story could have been WAY better if it was cut down and refined a bit. Some parts felt really drawn out and angsty and I found myself wishing things would just wrap up / MOVE it along a bit more. I love angst, but even I started getting impatient after another chapter of the leads not getting together and the plot meandering along.
ANSEL - Ansel is a great character. As a recovered ex-playboy and mafia boss, he lives his life with a strict code and his ultimate goal is to avenge his parents death and fix the mistakes he's made in his past. He's got a lot of guilt on his shoulders and demons he's dealing with but he still manages to be solid, loyal, witty, immovable and strong. Also, Scottish accent anyone? BUT paired with Skye he fell flat and it felt like a chore to keep reading.
SKYE - Skye is a little more complicated for me. I really liked her at first, she's a girl struggling with a menial job, nosey neighbor and the breakdown of a long term relationship she thought would end in marriage. All this made her interesting at first but it steadily goes down hill from there. She's insecure and thinks she's unattractive, too tall and awkward (sexually and normally). She's a little neurotic and though she's been in therapy for a while it doesn't really seem to have helped / she doesn't take her therapist's guidance to heart. She's totally stuck on her loser ex for most of the book and desperately hopes if she responds to his booty calls, he'll take her back. (CRINGE). She doesn't really have any friends (aside from her work friend) and no hobbies aside from Boxercise classes she attends.
She's always feeling sorry for herself, her mom is clearly preoccupied with her little sister's success and Skye is super jealous of her as a result. All in all the more I learned about Skye, the less I liked her. She's also living life in her own bubble, she doesn't realize she's privileged and how bad things are for some groups (like orcs). She says really dumb hurtful things when she's hurt and she's constantly licking her wounds (the comment she makes to Ansel at the restaurant about his cock / their relationship was super objectifying and crass IMO). I get why she's written like this but I just wanted to grab her by the shoulders and tell "GET IT TOGETHER GIRL". Also - the scene when she "gets back at her ex" - I HATED that. Really? She attacks him wearing a sexy outfit? We're supposed to applaud her for that? It just read as really sad and retaliatory. I really wish we had gotten to see Skye grow, learn to value herself and stop being a sad, jealous girl with low self-esteem. I get that it's character development but it was so much we barely get to see anything good or redeeming about her.
- THE SMUT: We all read these books for the sexy times but I felt a little let down. Sure there are small scenes here and there but they buildup to the couple getting together for the first time and its.... Under a grimy bridge, is over in like a minute and that's that. Plus we had to wait AGES for that to even happen. I kept reading thinking things would speed up and they would decide to be together/ address their feelings but NOOOOOOPE.
- RACISM AND BIGOTRY: I thought that was handled in an ok manner but it was pretty depressing to read. When the book starts, Skye is basically oblivious to the fact fae and elves are seen as "better / more desirable" and orcs, demons, goblins etc. are basically second class citizens. She doesn't rebuke her neighbor when she starts being all racist and when confronted with the issues when talking with Ansel she's basically all "my boss is a quarter orc and there's affirmative action in place so ur wrong". It's only when she's out on her own and gets treated badly for being a "privileged fairy" does she kind of get what's going on in the real world. Next when she does start being outspoken and tries to be better she literally gets taken by an orc who's trying to hurt her, basically proving her racist neighbors point that she SHOULD have been worried about orcs hanging around her place. It made me feel super weird tbh.
Lastly ... I kind of hated the ending and that's why, even though I enjoyed the book I had to dock stars. I HATED how weak Skye continued to be, she's supposed to have grown, become her own woman but nope, she's just hung up on Ansel now and was even considering flying across the world to chase / be with him. That's just sad! She has her monologue moment where she's basically all "I'm worth it, I'm tough and awesome" but SHE STILLends up tying her worth and happiness to a guy. IDK, I really just expected more and after the SUUUUPER drawn out plot I got whiplash with the random twists at the end.
May 4, 2023
ARC review - This was a fun read with awesome world building setting us up for a sequel or more. Lots of angst several spicy scenes. The FMC annoyed me at times but the MMC was *chefs kiss*. The story was not too mafia heavy and the Orc was more 'civilized' than other books I've read. I really enjoyed the story the character development. Thanks for the ARC, I'll definitely read the next one!
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