Pumpkin Spice & Orc's Delight: A Cozy Monster Romance

Evershift Haven #1

by Aurelia Skye, Kit Tunstall

I’m just a stressed-out attorney in a pink Volkswagen, stranded in a magical town I didn’t believe could exist—and falling hard for my orc mechanic, who’s all muscle, zero bodysuit.
I, Suzette Winters, am on my way from Chicago to Seattle for a legal conference, having decided to drive myself because I need more fun in my life, according to my sister, when I pass through a strange, shimmering barrier. My pink Volkswagen dies right after, and I have to walk to the closest town—Evershift Haven. I’m stunned to see how all-out these folks go for Halloween to appeal to the tourists. I’m even more surprised by just how hot the orc mechanic promising to fix my car within a week is, but I imagine he’s a pasty geek under all that makeup and muscled bodysuit. Right?

About that. Evershift Haven isn’t some gimmicky tourist town. Turns out, magic is real, and when their resident witch gets distracted, the barrier between their world and ours sometimes drops long enough for a lonely attorney who hates her job to slip through and discover magic awaits. And Throk isn’t some pasty geek. All those green muscles and drool-worthy body belong to him, my orc mechanic.

I’m stuck in a place I never imagined could exist and having the time of my life. When it’s time to go back to the real world? I don’t want to think about that right now…

This is the first book in a series about a magical town that shifts itself to celebrate seasons, holidays, and whatever random thing takes its fancy. It’s lighthearted, humorous, and meant to make you feel as cozy as wearing a sweater while sipping pumpkin spice latte. The story is sweet, but there’s definitely a pinch of steam.

Genres: Romance, Halloween, Paranormal, Fiction, Fantasy

121 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Aurelia Skye is the pen name Kit Tunstall uses when writing science fiction romance. It’s simply a way to separate the myriad types of stories she writes so readers know what to expect with each “author.”

For just the science fiction romances, join Aurelia's Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/byIP7P

Reviews

[BookishKB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Monster Romance

🎃 Bookish Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice & Orc’s Delight is such a cozy small town monster romance! At under 100 pages, it’s short and sweet but honestly the perfect way to kick off fall and spooky season.

I loved Evershift Haven so much!. The town was magical and festive, and I kept wishing this was a full-length novel because I wanted more time there. Suzette and Throk were cute together, even with the insta love.

🍂 What to Expect
• Orc MMC
• Attorney FMC
• Magical small town
• Fall vibes
• Stranded traveler

3.75 stars

[tysephine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Closer to 2.5 stars. Something about the dialogue didn't quite hit, and the romance felt very, very rushed. I wish we saw the characters getting to know one another on a little deeper level before the FMC decided to uproot her entire life to move to this magical town. It just didn't feel authentic. It felt almost...soulless? I can't explain it.

[TaylorReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay. It was a short novella, and there was a lot going on. Not much time for anything to develop meaningfully, so it felt a bit shallow.

[Mia Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orcs, spice and everything nice!
Exactly as promised: a cozy, magical autumnal tale full of whimsy and one cinnamon roll Orc who’ll steal your heart. The complex cast and world building pulls focus from our main duo and ultimately their connection, but the warmth and charm still shine. 🍂🧡✨

[GiGi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't turn my brain off to enjoy this. I need my cozy reads to make more sense; solid foundation and all that. I promise I don't go into these looking for issues, but I simply can't not see them

[Kat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Giving this another star because I can recognize that I’m probably too much of a grump myself to enjoy this. The over the top-ness of the town, everything being named magical something or other, it just got really annoying. I liked the characters, sort of, but not enough to finish. DNF.

[Ivy ofori · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book
I love it

[M]

Dropped at 10%. The main character sees things floating and doesn't really bat an eye. That plus all the other weird shit she sees should have registered but instead she just thinks that the town has a large budget for special effects. WTF? Even when the male lead flat out TELLS her she is in a magical town and that is why her car won't work she hand waves it away as the town's crazy commitment to their shtick for tourists. Like my god Suzette how much stupider could you possibly be in this situation? Anyway TSTL main characters irritate me so I am done with this one. I might try another in the series since they are on Kindle Unlimited.

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would actually give this 2.5 stars. It starts out with promise but doesn’t go anywhere. I know I prefer low-angst stories, but that doesn’t mean I want no friction at all. This story is just “boy meets girl, they like each other, the end”. The magical town could have provided some obstacles, but the FMC adapts to everything too easily. I skipped over this book repeatedly when the KU algorithm recommended it, and now I know why. The writing style is pleasant, but I would save this for a vacation read where I don’t mind losing my place.

[Blue Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF but I gave it 4 stars because it was probably me and not the book. It was well written and all that, but I was not vibing with the main girl. I think it was just her particular personality, which is fine. We can't like every book person we meet or what's the point of reading. I would have pressed on, but there are just too many unread books to waste time on one you don't like.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ rounded up

Pumpkin Spice & Orc’s Delight is a cute, cozy autumn novella with just the right mix of magic, sweetness, and a pinch of spice. Suzette starts off a bit rigid and overworked, but once she finds herself stranded in the magical town of Evershift Haven (which feels like a fantastical Hallmark town) she starts to loosen up and rediscover what fun feels like.

And then there’s Throk, her orc mechanic. What can I say? Your girl loves an orc, and this one is a total sweetheart. He’s patient, kind, and just a touch swoony in that quiet, dependable way. Their instalove connection is sugary sweet. And there's a magic carpet ride!

I probably would’ve enjoyed it even more if it had been a bit longer. Still, it’s a perfect quick fall read for anyone who loves cozy, low-stress romance with a dash of whimsy. I’ll definitely be picking up the others in the series, I can’t resist a good seasonal theme!

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I shake my head, wondering if I’m starting to hallucinate from stress. “Get it together, Suzette,” I mutter to myself. “You’re a rational, level-headed lawyer. There has to be a logical explanation for all of this.”
As I reach for the café door, I wonder if maybe I need to start expanding my definition of what’s possible.'

I love hidden magical towns with paranormal beings walking around! I'd kill to be able to live in Evershift Haven! Great world building and wonderful characters. I just love how fun and whimsical everything feels, and how friendly the people are. Suzette doesn't believe any of it is real for a while and it was fun watching her rationalize the things she's seeing. One she begins to believe- with a little help from Throk, it turns into quite the fun magical adventure. 5 stars.

[Nere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pumpkin Spice and Orc's Delight es una novela corta ligera y entretenida que combina romance y fantasía de una manera encantadora. Suzette y Throk forman una pareja inesperada pero adorable.
La historia se desarrolla a un ritmo pausado, sin grandes giros argumentales, lo que la convierte en una lectura perfecta para relajarse y desconectar.
Si buscas una historia ligera y agradable para pasar el rato, te recomiendo darle una oportunidad.
_______________________________
Pumpkin Spice and Orc's Delight is a light and entertaining short novel that charmingly combines romance and fantasy. Suzette and Throk make an unexpected but adorable couple.
The story unfolds leisurely, without significant plot twists, making it a perfect read to relax and unwind.
If you're looking for a light and enjoyable story to pass the time, I highly recommend trying this one.

[Megan Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want my next vacation to be in Evershift Haven. It seems so cozy there, and the locals so friendly.

For anyone looking for a love story with very low stakes and a smidgen of steam, look no further. Throk and Suzette were really sweet together, and the book contained enough fun Halloween activities to get me into the spirit of the season. I would just say that the most unrealistic part of the story was not the magical town protected by a magical barrier, but rather Suzette having memorized her sister's number — or anyone's number, for that matter, in this day and age. And this is coming from someone who still has her childhood home phone number memorized. (I would say, too, that I found it a little odd that no one in town was freaking out over having a human wandering into their midst, but I was able to roll with the town's overall friendliness and enjoy.)

Overall Verdict: 9 not-so-hidden magical towns out of 10

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guarantee this has been a simply wonderful read and I have enjoyed every moment of this book and I can guarantee that you will be as engaged in this story as I am. Although this is not the longest of stories it is a wonderful book to read over a short period of time as it is an ideal for reading over a lunch break or a short journey even.
I guarantee that like me you will be captivated by this wonderful book and this is a simply wonderful reading all about a human female and the mate she chooses a large orc male who is both kind and protective and I guarantee that you will be captivated by this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

[amirahlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orcs and magic

“As our lips meet again, I silently thank whatever twist of fate brought me to Evershift Haven. Surrounded by whispering trees and wrapped in Throk’s strong arms”

3.5 stars rounded up to a 4 star⭐️ I enjoyed this and felt the autumn setting. They go on a date before having sex which I prefer in my smutty reads. I really liked that we get a tour of the town with descriptions of the magical elements and how the towns people look. Their romance is fast but it’s also less than 100 pages so it’s expected but I do like how soft and sweet Throk is with Suz. He a big golden retriever

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Magical New Beginning

Suzette is over worked and stressed by her job as a lawyer - a cross-country drive is supposed to be some downtime, but her car breaking down outside Evershift Haven scuttles those plans. Throk promises to fix her car’s problems with magical interference, but Suzette is having trouble believing all this “magic” stuff. I enjoyed this cozy and spicy-sweet story, with its unique magical creatures and quaint town feel. Hopefully, Suzette’s sister gets a story as well - I’d love to read that!

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magical Mechanics

When attorney Suzette has a mechanical breakdown right outside Evershift Haven she has no clue how her life is about to change. First of all, magic is real although her logical mind insists it’s all a hoax. Secondly, the gorgeous town mechanic is an Orc named Throk who has her insides doing happy little flips. As Suzette discovers the wonders of the town and its magical inhabitants returning back to her mundane world and career seems less important. Her hot romance with Throk not withstanding, she feels as if she has finally come home. I loved it.

[Raven Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was more attention paid to the magical setting than the romance in this novella but it was a cute read.

The town was very imaginative and the descriptions were great. Suzette and Throk were both good characters with a sweet romance and a side of heat.

Good for a quick escape, slightly more fantasy than romance.

[Nicole Deanne Veracruz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a different kind of book. Suzette was on our way to Seattle for a conference when she accidentally drive to a magical barrier. Her car breaks down in a magical town. She thinks Throk the mechanic is wearing a costume but he's not he's a real true orc.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! It was short, sweet and cozy. Perfect magical book!

I apparently love small magical towns where humans discover them by accident and find their happily ever after, as I couldn’t put this book down. The town and its unique characters were so well written. I hope there are many more books set in this town!

[Rosa Maria Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

A beautiful magical book that keeps you on your toes. It has everything you want magic, all kind of monsters with magic even the food, humor, falling in love, steamy romance that leaves you saying ahhh with awseome characters? A must buy book and so ready to read the next magical book.

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Yourself

Her car breaks down after going through a pink haze and she meets an orc mechanic. They hit it off and together they tour the town. I liked how she kept making excuses for what she sees and experiences until she finally realizes magic is for real. Not to mention her growing attraction to her orc.

[Jess Reads2Much · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't realize this was an audiobook read by AI. When I purchased it, there was a narrators name, and I didn't see the replica part. That was my fault, but it ruined the book for me. there was a lack of inflection, and clearly, no one was doing quality control because there were several instances or using the wrong pronunciation, i.e., lead/lead, read/read, etc.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magical

This was such a great short story. There was no angst in it, just a really great story with an orc male and a human female building a relationship in a magical town. What a refreshing story.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative is enchanting and brimming with fantastical characters and events. However, the most extraordinary aspect is the profound and magical love shared between the main characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

it's okay

It is okay but the cover is AI. so really who is to say the writing isn't AI also. If you use AI AFOR THE COVERS which is just stealing art then I'm gonna bet AI was used else where also.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Quick read.

Really quick and fun story. Perfect if you want a quick read before bed or….. The characters aren’t as developed as a full length novel but developed perfectly for a short story.

[Dani Shambaugh · Rating 2 out of 5]

For a book that was less than 100 pages, this seemed to just drag on and on and usually with novellas I’m always saying that they end too early but there was something about this that I really struggled with

[Alexandria Robledo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I wish the story was longer it was so good! Super cute although I myself personally would’ve loved some more spice but I get the author was trying to fit as much of the plot in as possible since it’s a short story. Definitely would recommend reading.