This is a quick-ish bite-size SHORT read, whether for lunchtime or before bed... it's about a 2-3 hour read...enjoy! One minute I'm organizing dusty artifacts, the next I'm collared by a hot orc... Working on the collections at my Great Aunt Charlotte’s estate is a dream come true, but I never could have imagined it would lead me to a hidden magical village full of monsters...
Thokk's all brawn, tusks, and secret soft spots. He's risking everything to protect me from his own people. But the real danger? The way my heart races when he's near.
It's crazy, impossible, forbidden – but I can’t seem to get enough of him. Now I'm uncovering secrets that could change everything. About this world, about us. And I'm starting to think I don't want to go home.
I may have come here by accident, but leaving would break my heart. Fablewood is full of magic, danger, and possibility.
Now if we can just prevent the townsfolk and elders from killing me, we might just have a real chance at love.
Who knew my happily ever after might just involve, green skin and tusks?
This is steamy sweet short-read (about 2-3hrs) romance suitable for 18+ readers only and features tropes of Fated Mates, Fish out of water, Grumpy Sunshine, Forbidden romance, Insta-love and Secret world, to name a few.
Thanks for stopping by! I loves to weave tales of Alpha Shifters and the woman they love...or is it crave? ; ) I love all things fantasy and paranormal - if you haven't noticed! I am clearly a hopeless romantic too! What a coincidence! When I is not writing I am loving on her pet menagerie of cats and dogs - as well as on her very own Alpha : ) ...Our little gang splits our time between the mountains and the city in the far west... I hope my stories bring a smile, a laugh...as well as some steam to your day. And above all I hope they help you keep the feel of "possibility" alive in your heart...cause all things are possible...at least I like to think so! Enjoy
Normally I love a quick small-town monster romance, and I liked this, but I honestly felt like it was too short for the type of plot that the author introduced. Bonus points for an author finally using the word “prone” correctly, though.
I didn’t feel like Thokk was “grumpy”, as the title suggests. He honestly was just a big softie. I also thought a week was a pretty short timeline for an entire town to change its ideology, but hey, what do I know.
And since I’m on a roll of being honest, I only read this one so I could fully enjoy the second book about the Minotaur. I’ve been on a Minotaur kick recently. I’ll let you know how the second one is lol
This was cute but the tone felt off to me. It's a serviceable orc romance that gets the job done but it's wasn't my favorite
PLOT:
Zoe is a human sorting through artifacts at her relative's estate when she's magicked to a distant land full of monsters of myth and legend. Thokk the orc finds her and has to keep her safe because the town is not human friendly.
THOUGHTS:
- the tone and pacing felt really off to me. Like it's almost like a rom com or something and it can't decide if it wants to be current and hip or serious and brooding. Also all the monsters are somehow up to date and know about Instagram even though they don't seem to have electricity or current tech and everyone talks like regular 21st century people even though they're monsters with no human interaction. It just felt kind of jarring to me.
- Zoe was ok but she annoyed me after a bit. She comes across like an overexcited puppy and it got really old after a while.
- Thokk kind of annoyed me tbh. Yeah, I get it he's grumpy but he just came across as super insecure and worried about his masculinity. You're a warrior, God forbid your friends know you love your cat. You can't take a compliment or feel anything without equating it to weakness? Also his whole plan of like parading her around felt dumb to me. You should have hid her and tried to help her escape, not parade her through town knowing most monsters would want her dead / gone.
- lastly the romance felt really rushed to me. Like they meet, he's literally ready to club her to death and then BOOM they're all over each other like 3 hours later? They have nothing in common, know nothing about each other and it just felt hollow.
The first story in the Fablewood Monster Mates, Orc Thokk and human Zoe's short story. The story is engaging with a very good storyline and strong characters. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was very well rounded. It provided a plot spice and a smidgen of character development. How ever alot was self-explanatory in a sense. Even had some good spice to it.
4.5 ⭐s Aunt Charlotte's catchphrase was, "The world is full of hidden wonders, you just have to know where to look." Maybe she was right!
Zoe's Great-aunt Charlotte was an archaeologist in an age when that was an unheard of job for a woman. She was also interested in cryptozoology, the study of mythical animals and beasts. A sprawling Victorian mansion, Winthrop House, was left to Zoe's mother. To Zoe's horror, her mother decided to sell it rather than keeping it in the family like it has been for the last hundred years. Now it will become a museum, and she's been hired to work on the collections while it is decided what will be placed on public display. Too bad the new director, unlike the former director, isn't interested in any of her ideas. She wants to have an exhibit of mythical creatures, something that Aunt Charlotte had studied.
The day that her volunteering job at an animal shelter almost made her late for her paying job turned out to be unbelievable...
She's sent to the sub-basement to study doorknobs, of all things. She knocked papers off a shelf and discovered a map of the grounds of the mansion. Where there should only be hills and mountains, it shows a town. She'll investigate the map later. As she continues her doorknob search, she suddenly feels a breeze. Behind a heavy shelf, she discovers a stone wall with a hidden arch carved into it. Carved above the arch is, "Enter all who still believe." As she touches the stone, the breeze becomes stronger, a clap of thunder peals, and the world turns white...
Thokk is an Orc warrior and protector of the town of Fablewood. He's walking home from a meeting concerning a possible breach of their borders. He's been on the lookout for his missing cat. As he nears the clock tower, he catches movement out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly a strong wind almost knocks him down, and there's a blinding flash of light. A tiny human woman appears in front of him.
He believes that humans have no place in Fablewood, something many of the population agree with. He had asked the witch Elowen to cast a summoning spell, but surely she didn't summon a human, did she?
Many don't want Zoe to stay. Thokk was once one of them. But now? The more he's near Zoe, the more he believes humans should be part of their society. Could Aunt Charlotte possibly be involved?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Gleeful Goblin Review: I feel like this book took inspiration from a couple of pieces of media that I loved as a kid which are; The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe and The Pagemaster. "But as I round another corner, a cool breeze hits my face. That's odd. Out of curiosity, I follow the source of the air current, rounding boxes and dodging piles of bric-a-brac. Pushing aside a heavy shelf, my breath catches. Behind it, I discover a hidden archway carved into the stone wall. Above it, barely legible letters spell out: "Enter all who still believe." Enter? Enter what? Archway or not, there’s nothing but a solid stone wall here. Which doesn’t really explain the breeze either, but there’s definitely a breeze. I still feel it, coming straight off the wall. This is getting odder by the minute. My heart races. This is straight out of one of Aunt Charlotte’s stories. Part of me wants to push the bookcase back in place and hightail it upstairs. But a bigger part—the part that’s seen too many movies probably—begins to examine around the edges. I read the sign again. Should I? Don’t be ridiculous, Zoe. But maybe… No, it’s silly. Oh, hell… "I still believe," I whisper aloud to the empty room as I touch the weathered stone. Suddenly the breeze intensifies, whipping my hair around my face as the archway takes on a faint glow. I inhale sharply. "What’s happening?" I take half a step back. I need to get someone else down here to see this. But who? Olivia? Before I can turn tail and beat feet, I'm struck by a strong blast of wind followed by a deafening crack of thunder. And then everything goes white."
Zoe's energy and curiosity that she shows is so endearing and charming to me! She really embraces the experience of being in a different world, that magic is apparently real, and oh wow that's an Orc she just fell into! Utterly delightful to watch her through this story.
Thokk is honestly just as darling as Zoe, especially when he is talking about his cat! “His full name is actually Othrix, Slayer of Tiny Beasts. Sometimes I just call him S.T.B.... And he is exceptionally soft...especially his belly fur...” He's a warrior and a leader but he's also this wonderful secret cinnamon roll and I LOVED it. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zoe loves volunteering at the local animal shelter, and she works on a museum gig, dealing with the estate of her Great Aunt Charlotte’s collection. However, her new boss is a jerk and hardly listens to her ideas and never wants to use them, even though to me they are good ones and it is her Great Aunt’s collection, I think she should have some say! Zoe wants to honor her Great Aunt’s legacy and passion for cryptozoology and adventure. Olivia is the historian and tries to help her with Winthrop House, her Great Aunt’s estate. As both a historian (degree in it, with a minor in Anthropology), I was livid that Zoe’s boss said such things. I also have been studying mythology including cryptozoology since I was 8, so for 40 years. Zoe while in the sub basement, finds an old map and then an archway and as she does believe, goes through and finds herself - Elsewherein Fablewood. This is another place like Monstertown, aka Monitor, where various mythological creatures are real and live, in a protected space. Elowen, has cast a spell as there are a ridiculous amount of males in need of mates in these places. Thokk it's an Orc and one of the protectors of the town, as well as Kalen his buddy and a Minotaur. I love all of the guys as they work together to protect the town from being found by humans. However, Zoe ends up there and Thokk finds her. They are drawn together and a lot is revealed in the book. I found that while he shows Zoe around town, they are cute together because she is so in awe of everything and looks a things differently. At first he is gruff and arrogant, but he slowly thaws a bit for Zoe. lol. I really enjoyed reading this and can’t wait to find out what happens to Olivia, who I think will be next.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zoe and Thokk. Zoe works at a museum that once was her grandmother and great aunt's home. It's full of various artifacts and Zoe loves it. He boss just blows steamy at her, never taking her serious. She ends up in a magically warded world where monsters are real. There she meets Thokk, orc. Thank is looking for his pet cat when he discovers Zoe. He is attracted to her, but humans are bad news as far as the people of Fabletown are concerned. When Zoe follows Thokks cat in a small space, she discovers a cave with paintings that tells a story of human and monsters living in harmony. The elders threaten Zoe but Thokk stands by his mate. Thokk is a cinnamon roll. He's sweet and protective of Zoe. Zoe is brave and quick witted. She stands her ground even while facing an angry mob. Togther Zoe and Thokk face the prejudices that has fester in Fabletown against human and slowly when the town's people's hearts. Wonderful characters, especially Zoe and Thokk. Steamy, drama, and HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zoe (h) never imagined her quiet life working at a museum would lead her into a hidden world of magical creatures—and into the arms of a fierce orc warrior. When a mysterious portal transports her to Fablewood, a secret village filled with monsters, she meets Thokk (H), a gruff orc who initially sees her as a threat. But as they navigate danger, ancient secrets, and the laws forbidding their connection, Zoe and Thokk discover an undeniable bond that neither can ignore as things heat up between the two. Zoe and Thokk have to fight to protect their love and uncover a truth that might very well change the relationship between monsters and humans. Hot and steamy instalove, orc-human, fated mates fantasy romance, exploring love, adventure, societal norms, ancient mysteries, and breaking boundaries.
“My Orc Hero by Leela Ash” offers a captivating mix of world-building, fairy-tale elements, and the beloved tropes of fated mates and true love. The story takes readers into a hidden world existing alongside our own, requiring a leap of imagination, but it's well worth it. The romance between Thokk, the orc hero, and Zoe is heartfelt and engaging, with their bond bringing warmth and depth to the fantastical setting. A charming read for fans of paranormal romance who enjoy a touch of magic and epic love. I received a free ARC from Booksprout and am delighted to freely share my reaction to this book.
This was such a fun read with a cute orc...I know, right? What could I mean?? Well, we meet Thokk on the hunt for his missing pet. His cat is spoiled but Thokk worries that others will think him weak if he shows emotions for his "Slayer of tiny beasts". I love this moniker and it made me happy that he was the one to find and help Zoe, who finds herself through a magic door to an enchanted area. The author did a fab job with the world building, the characters, the plot and the slide into romance ;P These two were hot together and I love that they got a fab HEA, despite the danger. Such a fun read and I hope we get more books set in this world :D
Thokk, a warrior orc and protector of Fablewood, is stunned to discover a human has entered the town, breaching the wards and spell protecting them. Zoe is stunned to find herself somewhere where monsters are not stories. Drawn to each other, they will have to fight prejudice and fear to stay together. In their attempts, they come across a discovery that could change everything for Fablewood. I loved reading about Zoe and Thokk. With sass and feistiness throughout, this is a great introduction to the world of Fablewood and it's inhabitants.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet and lovely distraction of a read. I love a love story when love conquers all. Thokk and Zoe are from two separate worlds yet they find love in each other’s hearts and arms of course when Zoe accidentally ’falls’ into a world that should only exist in human fairytales; yet it does exist. Zoe finds the one male made just for her in an Orc within this hidden world of monsters. While there will those who don’t want to admit to their worlds being combined they find a way to make it work and find love. It’s an enjoyable quick read but I loved it and want more.
Leela Ash’s My Fated Orc Hero is a cute romance. Zoe is working to curate her great aunt Charlotte’s papers when she comes upon a doorway in the sub basement of the old mansion. When she says she believes after reading the words above the archway, she is transported into Fabletown, meeting a huge green orc named Thokk. They must overcome town prejudice to unlock the secret to their love’s being accepted by all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the main characters. The female main character is portrayed as a ray of sunshine, while the male main character initially comes across as a bit grumpy but has an adorable side to him. The story revolves around fated mates; both characters realize they are meant to be together. Despite living in a town where humans are not accepted, fate intervenes to ensure they have their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Zoe helps catalog Aunt Charlotte's estate after the family sells it. She finds a strange portal in the basement, and of course, she goes through it. This is where she meets Thokk, the Orc. They are instantly attracted, but they have the entire community to fight to be together. I enjoyed this plot so much. Thokk and Zoe are great together. Zoe is a sweetheart, and Thokk is a marshmallow inside—an excellent book with a lot of spice and a perfect HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read by Leela Ash and it was a solid 4-star read for me. When Zoe discovers a doorway in her family's basement, she discovers a world she always imagined, filled with all sorts of mythical creatures such as trolls, fairies, and orcs. Thokk, an orc warrior, is shocked to see a human woman and even more shocked when he realizes she is his fated mate. This storyline was well-paced, with some action, drama, sizzle, steam, and some fun.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When Zoe stumbles through a wall in the museum sub-basement she enters a magical world and falls into the arms of Thokk a sexy Orc. He’s drawn to her but has been brought up that humans are dangerous and evil. Nothing about Zoe is evil and the only dangerous thing about her is how she makes him feel. I love that he feels the pull and desire to protect her while trying to understand his feelings. As they open themselves to their mate bond all seems uncertain. Love the twists and adventure of this super sweet and steamy PNR.
It was a cute story, but felt like it should be a bit longer. The plot got resolved much too quickly, all was well after one chat with the villagers, it felt rushed. Thokk wasn't very grumpy, he was just pretending to be a fierce orc warrior, because he didn't want anyone to know how much of a giant softie he was. He was bloody adorable. I liked Zoe, but I didn't really feel she was a sunshine. She was excited to see the new world she landed in and was a bit too silly sometimes, but I wouldn't say that she was bubbly enough to be a sunshine ;)
I love the quirky FMC and the caring MMC but the town is such a perfect setting for these two and their great supporting cast. And, the themes of history, fairy tales, and Great Aunt Charlotte add depth and obvious opportunities for so much more. The references to Monster Town (Monitor Township) without reliance on reading those tales add to the expansion of this magical world. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Could it be true? A world beyond our world? Protected by magic filled with 'monsters' who live as we do? They could be the soul mates for we humans. Only those humans with pure heart and who believe. This is the first but not the last of the miracle of live and soul mates. SO worthy of a read by those who still believe.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This Book 1 in The Fablewood Monster Mates Book Series has an entertaining story, well-crafted world, and interesting characters. The characters have unique personalities, detailed histories, and believable interactions. This story has the following: twists, turns, adventure, action, danger, love, steam and a HEA. It is a well-paced monster book that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
What a cute monster romance! Zoe is a historian working at a museum when orders from her boss sends her to the sub-basement.buts there she finds an old map and a magical door. Finding herself in a magical town full of mythical monsters she is captured by Thokk, an Orc warrior. Captured in more ways than one..I loved the chacters and the story! I can’t wait for Olivia’s story.
This was a light hearted story with a little bit of steam and angst. Thokk's posturing was funny and bit corny and I loved how the epilogue wrapped everything up nicely. I hope we get to find out more about Great Aunt Charlotte in the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was wonderful meeting this couple. He's a sweetie and she's adventurous so things don't get her down for long. They also have some adventures as they get to know each other and become mates which adds more interest.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was great to see a new book from this author and, of course, those green guys we all seem to love. A great short read with all that I love in these stories. Always happy to receive ARC's and this was read in a quick hit. :D I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. :D
I enjoyed this happy little read. I love a good fated mate book. Especially one that isn't about wolves for a change. It was mildly spicy but a short read like this doesn't need much more. The story was cute and for the size of the book It was better than I expected. I'm looking forward to the Minotaur one next.
I enjoy reading novelettes because they get to the point much quicker. Fablewood is full off monsters and mystical beings which is a good thing. Now I wish Zoe had a better nickname for Throkk it just didn't work for me. A book that has mystical creatures, humor and romance is what I love to read.
Zoe is loving working on the artifacts but then she finds something mysterious. Then she finds herself in a strange place and Thorkk, an Orc, finds her. Humans are not allowed there. He cannot shake the feelings he has for her and neither can she. Can this forbidden love blossom?
A nice story. It is like a Fairy Tale. The excitement of an adventure and learning new things. Surprises along the way too. Danger of the unknown. Very good story. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.