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Eastshore Isle #3
My Orc Roommate with Benefits
I’m a focused and goal-oriented librarian-in-training, so there’s no way I’m falling for my himbo roommate, who gives off major golden retriever vibes, right? Right.
But dang. Since the moment I started renting Luxor’s spare bedroom, I’ve been plagued with these inconvenient urges…so being mature, responsible adults, we’ve decided to deal with them. One time. Once, to rid Lux of his innocence. Once, to rid me of these distracting desires to lick him.
Should’ve known once wouldn’t be enough.
My roommate (with benefits) might be the kind of guy who is always goofing off and laughing and rescuing puppies, but he’s turning out to be a surprisingly deep male… And I’m having a hard time thinking of this as temporary. But soon I’ll have to leave the adorable small town of Eastshore permanently (there’s not many opportunities for wannabe librarians here), so it’s best not to get too close.
But with a category two hurricane bearing down on us, I’m going to learn what’s truly important.
This feel-good, low-angst, high heat cozy romance features the following Roommates/intimacy bargain, virgin "at least he's cute" hero, reverse grumpy/sunshine, Save The Puppies!, small-town (of course), lots of humor, lots of heat.
But dang. Since the moment I started renting Luxor’s spare bedroom, I’ve been plagued with these inconvenient urges…so being mature, responsible adults, we’ve decided to deal with them. One time. Once, to rid Lux of his innocence. Once, to rid me of these distracting desires to lick him.
Should’ve known once wouldn’t be enough.
My roommate (with benefits) might be the kind of guy who is always goofing off and laughing and rescuing puppies, but he’s turning out to be a surprisingly deep male… And I’m having a hard time thinking of this as temporary. But soon I’ll have to leave the adorable small town of Eastshore permanently (there’s not many opportunities for wannabe librarians here), so it’s best not to get too close.
But with a category two hurricane bearing down on us, I’m going to learn what’s truly important.
This feel-good, low-angst, high heat cozy romance features the following Roommates/intimacy bargain, virgin "at least he's cute" hero, reverse grumpy/sunshine, Save The Puppies!, small-town (of course), lots of humor, lots of heat.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2024
216 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Veronika Kane
37 books93 followersVeronika Kane is the monster-loving alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Lee. One of Caroline's favorite genres to read is SciFi Romance, which led her to monster romance. When she discovered it was possible to set big, buff, delicious monsters in contemporary cozy small towns, she was sold. And that's how she ended up with a new pen name and a new series.
Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.
Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.
Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.
Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 31, 2024
My Orc Roommate With Benefits by Veronika Kane
Eastshore Island series #3. Paranormal erotica romance. First person alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series for background.
Zoe is studying for her second Masters degree to become a librarian while also waitressing at the local diner. She moves into Luxor’s house, renting one of his spare bedrooms. She’s been lusting after the hunky orc for a long time and now they are in the same location, they can scratch that itch. The plan is just once, but wowza, it’s such an explosive experience, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Plus, he’s such a nice guy, always goofing off, laughing and rescuing puppies, who could resist him? Once she receives her degree, she’ll have to go off island to find a job. But that’s later. Right now, they need to prepare for an incoming hurricane and keep each other busy.
Lux is so happy to have Zoe move in. He doesn’t understand why he needs to be close to her all the time but as long as she’s there now, the future is a worry for another day. Right?
Whew! Lots of steamy pages and fun times. Lux is such a teddy bear. Everyone loves him. Zoe is super smart but is hiding it for some reason. No matter. Just have more sex. 🤣🥰
Highly entertaining and fun. Triple the steamy.
Eastshore Island series #3. Paranormal erotica romance. First person alternating POV. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series for background.
Zoe is studying for her second Masters degree to become a librarian while also waitressing at the local diner. She moves into Luxor’s house, renting one of his spare bedrooms. She’s been lusting after the hunky orc for a long time and now they are in the same location, they can scratch that itch. The plan is just once, but wowza, it’s such an explosive experience, they can’t keep their hands off each other. Plus, he’s such a nice guy, always goofing off, laughing and rescuing puppies, who could resist him? Once she receives her degree, she’ll have to go off island to find a job. But that’s later. Right now, they need to prepare for an incoming hurricane and keep each other busy.
Lux is so happy to have Zoe move in. He doesn’t understand why he needs to be close to her all the time but as long as she’s there now, the future is a worry for another day. Right?
Whew! Lots of steamy pages and fun times. Lux is such a teddy bear. Everyone loves him. Zoe is super smart but is hiding it for some reason. No matter. Just have more sex. 🤣🥰
Highly entertaining and fun. Triple the steamy.
January 8, 2026
Read if you love Black FMC’s who are kind and patient, and a roommates to more trope.
Oh, and there’s cute 🥰 dogs! 😂 they are so silly and cute!
I can’t recall an exact quote, but I loved the scene where Zoe and Lux are kissing for the first time and they are just relaxed around each other.
Oh, and there’s cute 🥰 dogs! 😂 they are so silly and cute!
I can’t recall an exact quote, but I loved the scene where Zoe and Lux are kissing for the first time and they are just relaxed around each other.
July 24, 2024
Eastshore Isle continues to be one of my favorite places to read about! In the third book in the series, Zoe, waitressing on Eastshore while finishing an online Master in Library Science program, is roommate to Luxor, the largest Orc we've met yet who is a total golden retriever hero, does odd jobs for different people on Eastshore, and volunteers at the animal shelter (give me the puppies!). When the book begins, Zoe and Lux are about to take action on a roommates with benefits agreement they made to break some of the tension they've felt at cohabitating. Zoe is a fairly quiet person who has dreams of becoming a librarian. Lux is happy learning different skills and doing all physical labor-related kinds of things to support Eastshore. They aren't so much opposites as they are complementary partners, with Zoe as the brains and Lux as the brawn, although Lux's happy go-lucky demeanor masks a depth to him that not many ever see, due to his childhood illness. As their friendship deepens and they develop more serious feelings through the course of weathering a hurricane together and working together to restore storm damage, they both realize how much they need each other.
The book included many small details that enhanced the story for me, such as descriptions of more places on Eastshore, the kitchen at Lux's house and the process of him preparing food, and dialogue quips throughout that are traceable pop culture references. The accessory characters have a greater role in this book than in the previous books, and contrary to my expectations, their presence did not detract from the Fated Mates story. Through the accessory characters we learn more about the Orc homeworld, their culture and history, and their traditions, and we are also introduced to more Eastshore residents who hopefully will have larger roles in later books. The creativity with which these characters and their knowledge were integrated into the story felt like a reasonable and realistic expansion into this world, and this strategy is effective for the shorter format of these books (and not at all a sacrifice to the meaningfulness of Eastshore).
Age gap: Zoe is almost 31yo, Luxor is 29yo (and was almost 20yo when he came to Earth).
Tropes: Roommates with benefits/intimacy bargain; virgin hero; golden retriever hero; (formerly) ill/injured hero; Fated Mates; small town; some light praise/good girl
SFCP (safe for childless people); main characters do not get pregnant/have a baby. Brief mention of contraception options and how pregnancy can only be achieved by an Orc with their Mate. Recently Mated characters also do not get pregnant/have a baby.
I received an ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
The book included many small details that enhanced the story for me, such as descriptions of more places on Eastshore, the kitchen at Lux's house and the process of him preparing food, and dialogue quips throughout that are traceable pop culture references. The accessory characters have a greater role in this book than in the previous books, and contrary to my expectations, their presence did not detract from the Fated Mates story. Through the accessory characters we learn more about the Orc homeworld, their culture and history, and their traditions, and we are also introduced to more Eastshore residents who hopefully will have larger roles in later books. The creativity with which these characters and their knowledge were integrated into the story felt like a reasonable and realistic expansion into this world, and this strategy is effective for the shorter format of these books (and not at all a sacrifice to the meaningfulness of Eastshore).
Age gap: Zoe is almost 31yo, Luxor is 29yo (and was almost 20yo when he came to Earth).
Tropes: Roommates with benefits/intimacy bargain; virgin hero; golden retriever hero; (formerly) ill/injured hero; Fated Mates; small town; some light praise/good girl
SFCP (safe for childless people); main characters do not get pregnant/have a baby. Brief mention of contraception options and how pregnancy can only be achieved by an Orc with their Mate. Recently Mated characters also do not get pregnant/have a baby.
I received an ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
July 22, 2024
Eastshore Isle has my heart captive!
Like all books in this series, the cover is quirky, fun, and colorful, just like the town and its inhabitants! I think this may be my favorite cover to date though just because it has all those pups!!!
Speaking of the pups, I was so happy for their fun addition to this world. The shelter that housed them, the families they’ll eventually go to, and the rascally adventures they put our MCs through definitely added another layer of complexity to Eastshore. I don’t want to spoil too much, but the puppies along with the hurricane itself, seemed to add a layer of complexity and emotion/action we didn’t see in the first two books and I loved it! It wasn’t daunting and didn’t ruin the overall sunny vibe of this series, but it was good to see some deeper topics touched on.
Speaking of deeper topics touched on, I loved learning Luxor’s background and finding out that there is more to this himbo than I initially thought. He may be talented in non-traditional ways, but he has a past full of heartache which guides most of his outlook on life now (being super positive to get away from the negative past), which you can’t help but love and admire the guy for.
I loved that our FMC, Zoe, was much more reserved than the FMCs in the first two books. She was a studious librarian, while the other two were definitely big personalities. I loved seeing this different style, especially coupled with a completely different style of MMC (sunny and bright vs. the past two males who were a bit grumpy). She was just as sweet as the other FMCs, but she definitely came across as very, very smart. Not that the other FMCs were smart, but this is definitely the FMC you want on your trivia team and helping you apply for college!
I loved how in this one we got a bit more information on Giza specifically. He had been in the background a bit in book 2, but he definitely played more of a role in this one. AND THAT SNEAK PEEK?!?!?!?! I can’t say anything, but I AM OVER THE FREAKING MOON!!! Still waiting for my man Sakkara (and maybe a certain schoolteacher….), but good things come to those who wait 😊
Similar to books 1 and 2, we got a bit more information on the Orcs like the mating process with humans being especially tough and only able to be done at certain times.
Like the other books in the series, this thing was full of humor and spice! In fact, I feel like this one had so much more spice, especially since it started off with a literal BANG.
Can’t wait for the next installment in Eastshore!!
4.5 stars!
Thank you to Veronika Kane for the opportunity to read a copy of this story. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
Like all books in this series, the cover is quirky, fun, and colorful, just like the town and its inhabitants! I think this may be my favorite cover to date though just because it has all those pups!!!
Speaking of the pups, I was so happy for their fun addition to this world. The shelter that housed them, the families they’ll eventually go to, and the rascally adventures they put our MCs through definitely added another layer of complexity to Eastshore. I don’t want to spoil too much, but the puppies along with the hurricane itself, seemed to add a layer of complexity and emotion/action we didn’t see in the first two books and I loved it! It wasn’t daunting and didn’t ruin the overall sunny vibe of this series, but it was good to see some deeper topics touched on.
Speaking of deeper topics touched on, I loved learning Luxor’s background and finding out that there is more to this himbo than I initially thought. He may be talented in non-traditional ways, but he has a past full of heartache which guides most of his outlook on life now (being super positive to get away from the negative past), which you can’t help but love and admire the guy for.
I loved that our FMC, Zoe, was much more reserved than the FMCs in the first two books. She was a studious librarian, while the other two were definitely big personalities. I loved seeing this different style, especially coupled with a completely different style of MMC (sunny and bright vs. the past two males who were a bit grumpy). She was just as sweet as the other FMCs, but she definitely came across as very, very smart. Not that the other FMCs were smart, but this is definitely the FMC you want on your trivia team and helping you apply for college!
I loved how in this one we got a bit more information on Giza specifically. He had been in the background a bit in book 2, but he definitely played more of a role in this one. AND THAT SNEAK PEEK?!?!?!?! I can’t say anything, but I AM OVER THE FREAKING MOON!!! Still waiting for my man Sakkara (and maybe a certain schoolteacher….), but good things come to those who wait 😊
Similar to books 1 and 2, we got a bit more information on the Orcs like the mating process with humans being especially tough and only able to be done at certain times.
Like the other books in the series, this thing was full of humor and spice! In fact, I feel like this one had so much more spice, especially since it started off with a literal BANG.
Can’t wait for the next installment in Eastshore!!
4.5 stars!
Thank you to Veronika Kane for the opportunity to read a copy of this story. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
July 18, 2025
"My Orc Roommate with Benefits" by Veronika Kane is book three in the "Eastshore Isle" series. This was such a fantastic book, and with each book I read, I am falling more and more in love with orcs and Eastshore Isle. Zoe and Luxor become roommates and take it a little further with throwing in some benefits. Little did they know that they would become more than just roommates. I love that Lux helps out at the local shelter and brings Zoe along with him. We get to hear about one of the puppies, Seamus, and I fell instantly in love with Seamus. Veronika does such a wonderful job with this series, and I look forward to reading the next book soon.
August 26, 2024
More Orcs are moving to Eastshore and they are hard to resist. Luxor is hard to resist. He's fun and rescues puppies. Zoe loves Eastshore but knows that she may need to leave when she finishes her degree. These two become roommates and their relationship changes quickly.
This is a fun series. You can read this as a stand alone, but I think it's better as a series.
This is a fun series. You can read this as a stand alone, but I think it's better as a series.
July 28, 2025
"My Orc Roommate with Benefits" was a very fun, lighthearted, and cozy romance story. And it's also filled with lots of spice. There isn't any lead up to the spice either; the two MC's get right into within the first chapter. So no slow burn here, it's an immediate burn. The two of them have agreed to have a roommates with benefits kind of scenario, but the outgoing orc MMC has never done anything with a woman and is a verrrry fast learner. And takes to all things intimate with extreme gusto. It makes for a ton of great spicy scenes that carry on for the entirety of the book. The MMC is an a-dorkable himbo with a serious heart of gold. He's always positive and trying new things and he cares so much for his new community. The FMC is a very studious person, with goals to be a librarian after finishing up her MLS. They're kind of the perfect blend and make a gorgeous couple. Even though the two of them are dead set about this being a casual hookup situation, fate has other plans for them. This was a great relaxing read with low drama and a HEA for all. I'm really loving these stories of the orc of Eastshore Isle and can't wait to read the next one. It's a great option for anyone who loves spicy monster romances.
July 21, 2024
This might be my favorite Eastshore Isle story yet!
Zoe and Luxor could not be more different from each other, but they manage to live together as roommates in pretty a well synced routine. Honestly though, do any of us ever think that “just once, so we get it out of our system” is going to work as planned?
As expected, it didn’t work that way for brilliant book smart Zoe and golden retriever ‘good boy’ Luxor.
This book features excitement that kept me on edge and tension that you could feel through the pages.
These two are a great addition to the Eastshore Community I’ve grown to love!
Zoe and Luxor could not be more different from each other, but they manage to live together as roommates in pretty a well synced routine. Honestly though, do any of us ever think that “just once, so we get it out of our system” is going to work as planned?
As expected, it didn’t work that way for brilliant book smart Zoe and golden retriever ‘good boy’ Luxor.
This book features excitement that kept me on edge and tension that you could feel through the pages.
These two are a great addition to the Eastshore Community I’ve grown to love!
July 27, 2024
This book was labeled as a feel-good, low-angst, high-heat cozy romance featuring the following tropes: roommates/intimacy bargain, virgin "at least he's cute" hero, reverse grumpy/sunshine, Save The Puppies!, small-town (of course), lots of humor, and lots of heat.
Did it deliver? Oh, absolutely. Veronica knows exactly how to not disappoint her readers. And the sneak peek for the upcoming book in this series is even more exciting. She has built up her characters in a way that has me eagerly waiting for their story.
Did it deliver? Oh, absolutely. Veronica knows exactly how to not disappoint her readers. And the sneak peek for the upcoming book in this series is even more exciting. She has built up her characters in a way that has me eagerly waiting for their story.
August 28, 2025
wonderful Monster Romance 🥰
This is a Monster Romance ❤️🔥 this one in particular has Orcs and it is part of a series that I just discovered a few days ago. This is book 3, but I have not read the books in order in the series, I however am going to recommend that the series is read in order as it would be a bit better. 😂
This is a Monster Romance ❤️🔥 this one in particular has Orcs and it is part of a series that I just discovered a few days ago. This is book 3, but I have not read the books in order in the series, I however am going to recommend that the series is read in order as it would be a bit better. 😂
July 19, 2024
Super cute and steamy! Caring, compassionate, and adorable.. Perfect characters.
did-not-finish
December 13, 2025DNF at 35%.
I'm so tired of "with benefits" romances where they should just have a convo about exploring a relationship. But nooooo... it's "only sex".
🙄
I'm so tired of "with benefits" romances where they should just have a convo about exploring a relationship. But nooooo... it's "only sex".
🙄
August 8, 2024
Zoe and Luxor flip the grumpy/sunshine trope right over!
They are both adorable characters so this was also a fun book to read! This series is full of sweet, sexy, cute stories and every time I think I've read the best one, the next one is the best one for me, lol! Zoe is working hard to reach her dream and Laisor is just happy to exist in the world. What's not to like about that, lol? The scene in the storm is vivid and heart wrenching and so realistic, that was some very complex imagery planted in my brain, so good, memorable, and intense. I can't wait to read more in this series....like maybe Giza getting his own book?
They are both adorable characters so this was also a fun book to read! This series is full of sweet, sexy, cute stories and every time I think I've read the best one, the next one is the best one for me, lol! Zoe is working hard to reach her dream and Laisor is just happy to exist in the world. What's not to like about that, lol? The scene in the storm is vivid and heart wrenching and so realistic, that was some very complex imagery planted in my brain, so good, memorable, and intense. I can't wait to read more in this series....like maybe Giza getting his own book?
June 26, 2025
Normally I like the creativity that comes from starting a story mid-action. Here, however, it doesn’t work. This book starts with the H&H having already become roommates and deciding to have a friends with benefits situation. So we don’t get the push and pull of them fighting their attraction. And there is nothing in the rest of the book that happens to challenge their relationship. It’s just boring. Which is a shame because the characters had real potential.
January 4, 2025
I liked that this one had the most backstory explained, and that the Orc history is sloooooowly being teased out.
I thought I might dislike this one the most because Luxor is a total HIMBO. His Golden retriever energy is front and center, and as much as he is a little oblivious - he has so many great qualities, so I didn't mind him being a little dense. Mostly. Especially paired with Zoe. Haha.
Great addition to this very addictive popcorn-esque series.
I thought I might dislike this one the most because Luxor is a total HIMBO. His Golden retriever energy is front and center, and as much as he is a little oblivious - he has so many great qualities, so I didn't mind him being a little dense. Mostly. Especially paired with Zoe. Haha.
Great addition to this very addictive popcorn-esque series.
June 1, 2025
Luxor and Zoe’s story
This series just keeps getting better. The characters are so relatable and engaging. The story is fun and easy to read. Putting the book down and going to sleep was impossible. While one part of the book was predictable I still found myself choked up with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face.
This series just keeps getting better. The characters are so relatable and engaging. The story is fun and easy to read. Putting the book down and going to sleep was impossible. While one part of the book was predictable I still found myself choked up with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face.
March 1, 2025
**1.75 stars**
This was so boringgggg. The main characters were so juvenile I just could not deal with it. Also the humor was not funny at all like it really took away from the story.
This was so boringgggg. The main characters were so juvenile I just could not deal with it. Also the humor was not funny at all like it really took away from the story.
May 6, 2025
Zo moves into Luxor's house as a roommate while she finishes her MLS. When the story starts, it feels like they have been roommates long enough that they are completely comfortable with each other. Comfortable enough for Zo to arrange for a roommates with benefits situation. Only the benefits part has the exact opposite effect of what they intended, which was to scratch an itch and move on. Instead they enter a weird friend with benefits situation which evolves into a not-dating-but-seems-like-it situation before pretty much skipping dating all together in favour of Mate-ville, which only gets figured out because Zo uses her library finder powers for good.
If you like a male lead that is a classic golden retriever, you might like this one. He's goofy, a bit clueless, but super kind and caring despite constantly putting himself down because he isn't the conventional standard of book smart. Lux is great at working with his hands, not reading books or building data sheets. The only one who even remotely tries to stop his negative self outlook is Zo. It really annoyed me and it never fully gets addressed. Neither does his tragic backstory, which kinda gets mentioned in a super vague fashion and then is just...shelved as a later problem that never gets dealt with during the duration of the book.
Zo is a hardworking woman who already has a degree but decided to go after her passion and become a librarian. She works at a local restaurant to try and support herself while she's taking online classes. She's sweet, smart, and able to properly do research, which I respect. She mostly respects Lux for who he is and how truly capable he is...and as mentioned before, is the only one who gives him crap for talking negatively about himself.
Together they make a great team with Lux dragging Zo out of her recluse shell, being pretty blunt about everything and making great food while Zo brings the intellect power and understanding that not everyone is good at the same things, but it doesn't make them less. As for their spice, it was pretty good. I am obviously reading these out of order because I would relate to spice level as on par with Giza's story (which I ready read despite it being later in the series). And while Lux isn't as dominant in the bedroom, some of bedroom talk is a bit similar, in my opinion.
Was it the best story out of all of them? To me, no. But it was solid and cute and I will probably read it again at some point. I totally thought they were going to end up with a house full of puppies based on the cover picture though. lol
If you like a male lead that is a classic golden retriever, you might like this one. He's goofy, a bit clueless, but super kind and caring despite constantly putting himself down because he isn't the conventional standard of book smart. Lux is great at working with his hands, not reading books or building data sheets. The only one who even remotely tries to stop his negative self outlook is Zo. It really annoyed me and it never fully gets addressed. Neither does his tragic backstory, which kinda gets mentioned in a super vague fashion and then is just...shelved as a later problem that never gets dealt with during the duration of the book.
Zo is a hardworking woman who already has a degree but decided to go after her passion and become a librarian. She works at a local restaurant to try and support herself while she's taking online classes. She's sweet, smart, and able to properly do research, which I respect. She mostly respects Lux for who he is and how truly capable he is...and as mentioned before, is the only one who gives him crap for talking negatively about himself.
Together they make a great team with Lux dragging Zo out of her recluse shell, being pretty blunt about everything and making great food while Zo brings the intellect power and understanding that not everyone is good at the same things, but it doesn't make them less. As for their spice, it was pretty good. I am obviously reading these out of order because I would relate to spice level as on par with Giza's story (which I ready read despite it being later in the series). And while Lux isn't as dominant in the bedroom, some of bedroom talk is a bit similar, in my opinion.
Was it the best story out of all of them? To me, no. But it was solid and cute and I will probably read it again at some point. I totally thought they were going to end up with a house full of puppies based on the cover picture though. lol
July 22, 2024
4.75 stars. Zoe, the female human lead, is highly attracted to Lux(or), the male orc lead and her landlord/housemate. Lux acquired a housemate for company and was surprised to find himself highly attracted to Zoe. When Zoe proposes scratching the itch so they can get past their attraction, Lux is very open to the suggestion. But the itch is definitively not scratched after one night, or two…
However, Zoe is studying to be a librarian and their little island home doesn’t have scope for another full time librarian, so she can’t stay forever.
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, steamy, contemporary fantasy romance. I enjoyed Zoe’s enthusiasm for Lux and her studies. I enjoyed Lux’s support of her career goals and the homemaking balance he provided for her. I enjoyed the way they complemented each other. I adored Lux’s cheerful personality, and his genuine joy with his life. I enjoyed their steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed their animal interactions at the shelter where Lux volunteered. I enjoyed the ending. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and their quirks and foibles. I’m loving this series and really looking forward to more.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
However, Zoe is studying to be a librarian and their little island home doesn’t have scope for another full time librarian, so she can’t stay forever.
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, steamy, contemporary fantasy romance. I enjoyed Zoe’s enthusiasm for Lux and her studies. I enjoyed Lux’s support of her career goals and the homemaking balance he provided for her. I enjoyed the way they complemented each other. I adored Lux’s cheerful personality, and his genuine joy with his life. I enjoyed their steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed their animal interactions at the shelter where Lux volunteered. I enjoyed the ending. I enjoyed the integrated secondary characters and their quirks and foibles. I’m loving this series and really looking forward to more.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
August 12, 2025
So I stumbled onto this series, as always, late at night and added the first book to my kindle. It's the usual spunky girl fated mate story, with orcs instead of shifters. Too much sex, but easy to skip through. The spunky girls have an insanely crude sense of humor (do people really spend that much energy thinking about masturbating?), but ok.
The thing I liked about the series was the back story: The first FMC is trying to save the small island town by encouraging orcs to settle there, for them to find a home. A small number of male orcs had come to this realm years ago, were then basically tortured, got a financial settlement, and spread out, never accepted anywhere, and they can't go back. Each new settler to the island has a story and finds his mate. I really liked this world, but this one is just so much sex, I realized I've skipped half the book, so I am defeated. I found the others in the series had some charm, so somewhere out there are readers who will love this.
The thing I liked about the series was the back story: The first FMC is trying to save the small island town by encouraging orcs to settle there, for them to find a home. A small number of male orcs had come to this realm years ago, were then basically tortured, got a financial settlement, and spread out, never accepted anywhere, and they can't go back. Each new settler to the island has a story and finds his mate. I really liked this world, but this one is just so much sex, I realized I've skipped half the book, so I am defeated. I found the others in the series had some charm, so somewhere out there are readers who will love this.
January 8, 2025
What Fun!
This is another fun tale in this series. The integration of orcs and humans is so natural in this series. It makes me feel like I could find an orc on an island somewhere.
Lux and Zoe didn’t disappoint. You don’t see a lot of goofy heroes, so I enjoyed Lux’s character. He was strong, kind, loyal, and helpful, but he wasn’t always the smartest. He had a big heart and big smile. I love how he kept surprising Zoe and being so much more than he seemed. I’m so happy he continued as a nice guy and won the day.
Zoe was fun too. It cracks me up to read a stodgy female heroine. She was sort of broody and a recluse to some extent. Lux brought out the best in her though. It was great to see how she softened for him and how she wasn’t really that hard of a person at all.
I can’t wait to see what’s next!
This is another fun tale in this series. The integration of orcs and humans is so natural in this series. It makes me feel like I could find an orc on an island somewhere.
Lux and Zoe didn’t disappoint. You don’t see a lot of goofy heroes, so I enjoyed Lux’s character. He was strong, kind, loyal, and helpful, but he wasn’t always the smartest. He had a big heart and big smile. I love how he kept surprising Zoe and being so much more than he seemed. I’m so happy he continued as a nice guy and won the day.
Zoe was fun too. It cracks me up to read a stodgy female heroine. She was sort of broody and a recluse to some extent. Lux brought out the best in her though. It was great to see how she softened for him and how she wasn’t really that hard of a person at all.
I can’t wait to see what’s next!
July 17, 2025
No introduction to the characters, just right to banging?
This is Pørn Without Plot. We're never introduced to Zoe, she simply starts the book off saying that she's gonna jump her roommate's bones. Excuse me, who are you? How did you become Lux's roommate? I seriously double checked to see if I'd missed a few chapters. Nope. No intro, just straight to slamming. And I did not care. I don't know Zoe, so I'm not invested. Lux deserved so much better than this, and Zoe - an MLS student whose bartending through school - had possibilities. Maybe. I dunno. Heck, I don't even know what she looks like, so I used the cover art (which, to be fair, is adorable.)
34% in - and I only got that far because I expected a "two months earlier" jump that never happened - and I'm done. Not only am I DNF'ing this book, but I'm bailing on the rest of the series.
This is Pørn Without Plot. We're never introduced to Zoe, she simply starts the book off saying that she's gonna jump her roommate's bones. Excuse me, who are you? How did you become Lux's roommate? I seriously double checked to see if I'd missed a few chapters. Nope. No intro, just straight to slamming. And I did not care. I don't know Zoe, so I'm not invested. Lux deserved so much better than this, and Zoe - an MLS student whose bartending through school - had possibilities. Maybe. I dunno. Heck, I don't even know what she looks like, so I used the cover art (which, to be fair, is adorable.)
34% in - and I only got that far because I expected a "two months earlier" jump that never happened - and I'm done. Not only am I DNF'ing this book, but I'm bailing on the rest of the series.
January 15, 2025
I loved Luxor! He was such a cutie, all happy and excited to just live on the island. And his love of doggos was adorable! It was great to see his playfulness when he was relaxed and silly at home, and then his caring and protective nature when he was helping the community of the Isle.
Zoe was great too, she had a goal in life and was determined to achieve it. Having hots for her roommate wasn't a part of the plan, so the idea of hooking up to clear the air wasn't a bad one. When her feelings for Lux deepened she realized that she didn't want to leave him after she got her degree. It was sweet that she considered abandoning her plan to be with her Mate, but even sweeter when all things worked out so they could be happy together ;)
Zoe was great too, she had a goal in life and was determined to achieve it. Having hots for her roommate wasn't a part of the plan, so the idea of hooking up to clear the air wasn't a bad one. When her feelings for Lux deepened she realized that she didn't want to leave him after she got her degree. It was sweet that she considered abandoning her plan to be with her Mate, but even sweeter when all things worked out so they could be happy together ;)
July 19, 2024
How I enjoy to come back to Eastshore Isle every time!
It is my new comfort zone place. ❤️❤️❤️
🔸️The couple's dynamic in this story is different to previous ones. Zoe is a confident, organised, bit grumpy woman, while Luxor is an energetic, chaotic guy with almost no filter.
🔸️Lux is bit younger than Zoe and struggles with self perception. I love how Zoe goes into full supportive and protective mode for him. 🤩🤩🤩 Neverthless the pair has great chemistry ans hilarious banter.
Needs to be said, that MMC is totally inexperienced one, but soooo cute and adorable.
🔸️ Overall, safe, relaxing, no stress story. Very well written on top of that. For all who need a good, cozy reading.
It is my new comfort zone place. ❤️❤️❤️
🔸️The couple's dynamic in this story is different to previous ones. Zoe is a confident, organised, bit grumpy woman, while Luxor is an energetic, chaotic guy with almost no filter.
🔸️Lux is bit younger than Zoe and struggles with self perception. I love how Zoe goes into full supportive and protective mode for him. 🤩🤩🤩 Neverthless the pair has great chemistry ans hilarious banter.
Needs to be said, that MMC is totally inexperienced one, but soooo cute and adorable.
🔸️ Overall, safe, relaxing, no stress story. Very well written on top of that. For all who need a good, cozy reading.
July 24, 2024
Oh my goodness. How could I have anything but love for a Veronika Kane human-orc romance that literally begins with a bang?
Luxor is giving big golden retriever energy, and he’s all in with Zoe as soon as they inadvertently brush hands.
Of course due to crummy ex baggage, it takes our girl a little longer to come around to the whole mated concept, but it’s great fun getting there.
I love this series, and this is another steamy, funny novella set in the magical inclusionary enclave that is Eastshore.
I was generously furnished an advance reader copy from Valentine PR, the author, and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest take.
Luxor is giving big golden retriever energy, and he’s all in with Zoe as soon as they inadvertently brush hands.
Of course due to crummy ex baggage, it takes our girl a little longer to come around to the whole mated concept, but it’s great fun getting there.
I love this series, and this is another steamy, funny novella set in the magical inclusionary enclave that is Eastshore.
I was generously furnished an advance reader copy from Valentine PR, the author, and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest take.
July 21, 2024
Such a lovely story!
This story was such a fun, easy and quick read.
It has a lively adventure with a hunky Orc, It gives us more information on how the Orcs came Eastshore Isle and a bit more on their background. Oh! and puppies - lotsa cute puppies!
I loved Zoe and her Luxor - they were so well suited and their interaction was always great.
Their romance was oh-so-perfect and the outcome a delight.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this splendid story and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
This story was such a fun, easy and quick read.
It has a lively adventure with a hunky Orc, It gives us more information on how the Orcs came Eastshore Isle and a bit more on their background. Oh! and puppies - lotsa cute puppies!
I loved Zoe and her Luxor - they were so well suited and their interaction was always great.
Their romance was oh-so-perfect and the outcome a delight.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this splendid story and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
July 23, 2024
Lux and Zoe are the epitome of opposites attract. Zoe is a book-smart, academic, on her way to being a librarian. Lux is the himbo, golden retriever of your dreams. They fit together so well.
I absolutely adored how Zoe would hear no self-deprecation from Lux. She would defend him against his own negative self-talk.
I love that each story follows a different timeline of figuring out they are Mates. Lux and Zoe are fully in their FWB before the dots connect.
This is my favorite new series. I cannot wait for the next stories.
I absolutely adored how Zoe would hear no self-deprecation from Lux. She would defend him against his own negative self-talk.
I love that each story follows a different timeline of figuring out they are Mates. Lux and Zoe are fully in their FWB before the dots connect.
This is my favorite new series. I cannot wait for the next stories.
July 28, 2024
I think I've said this with each book in this series, but Lux and Zoe are my favorite couple! They're so different, but fit together so well! And Lux is the epitome of a golden retriever MMC!!! He's just so happy and caring despite everything he's gone through in his life. And I love that we learn more and more about the orcs, their backgrounds and traditions with each book. I can't wait for more of this series! I never want it to end!
August 25, 2024
Zoe is in Eastshore temporarily to get her master's in library science, and then she is leaving. Sure she is lol. Zoe rents a room for Lux, mister sunshine and puppy rescuer and now they are roommates with benefits. Hot, sexy, no way is this a one and done. Nope. But now a hurricane is heading to Eastshore and Zoe needs to decide, does she go or stay, and what about Lux? Low angst, funny, over the top, great read.
July 28, 2024
Lux
He is a mix of everyday handyman and fun silly "teenager". But he's almost 30 and unaware of parts of his heritage and real ork emotions. His life of helping, to amend his broken reputation,draws him to Zoe. Who knew this want to be Librarian roommate would be the answer? This story is filled with fun!
He is a mix of everyday handyman and fun silly "teenager". But he's almost 30 and unaware of parts of his heritage and real ork emotions. His life of helping, to amend his broken reputation,draws him to Zoe. Who knew this want to be Librarian roommate would be the answer? This story is filled with fun!
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