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Wild Oak Woods #2

How to Woo a Warrior Orc

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He’s a huge warrior orc— but his sweet side is exactly what I’m craving.

I’ve made a life of catering to any craving a friend might have— and now I have a magical pastry shop that does exactly that. Creating enchanted desserts at Pixie’s Perch is my lifelong dream, and as much as I love my friends in the Wild Oak Woods, something’s missing.

Until the fierce warrior orc Ga'Rek shows up with his crew of Unseelie fae. He’s never seen anything like my pastry shop, and I’ve never met anyone like him. When he starts helping out in my kitchen, he heats up more than the oven. He’s got a real knack for filling eclairs with cream, too.

When the local duchess decides to make an official visit during the annual Wild Oak Woods fall festival, I pull out all the stops to impress her. My shy, smiling orc in the kitchen turns out to be the perfect assistant pastry chef. No matter what half-cocked idea for a new recipe I have, he’s always willing to help— and to sample the results.

I’m determined to reward Ga'Rek with all of his favorite sweet treats.

Except the only thing the huge warrior orc wants is me.

How To Woo A Warrior Orc is a cozy, low-stakes, spicy monster fantasy romance, all set in the picturesque small-town of the Wild Oak Woods.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 19, 2024

196 people are currently reading
605 people want to read

About the author

January Bell

48 books538 followers
January Bell writes steamy sci-fi and fantasy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after. Combining pure escapism, a little adventure, and a whole lotta love makes for romance that's a world apart. For the latest updates, follow her on Instagram and Twitter and subscribe to her newsletter for exclusive content. Is there a character you would like to see featured in a future novel or novella? Don't be shy! She'd love to hear from you.

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5 stars
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378 (36%)
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283 (27%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,799 reviews499 followers
December 27, 2024
Such a sweet cozy fast burn story. Piper was the mom figure of her friends, always helping everyone else and avoiding asking for help like the plague. Ga’Rek was all (mostly) laid back and helpful and a heart of gold. I would have loved seeing more of them working together. They complemented each other well and were each working on being more willing to ask for assistance.

Spice: 2/5

Triggers: references to violence and gore (not detailed), discussion of child neglect
Profile Image for Elena Rodríguez.
1,192 reviews492 followers
February 15, 2025
“I’ve never had a home. Not really. Any place you touch, Piper, becomes magic”.

Segunda parte de esta comedia romantica “cozy”. Al igual que la anterior entrega, tampoco ocurre nada remarcable ni demasiado trágico. Simplemente contando sus vidas en la aldea mágica, y como acaban enamorándose en pocas páginas.

Si quieres una lectura ligera sin mucho trasfondo ideal para pasar el rato esta es tu lectura. Si te esperas algo mucho más denso, búscate otra.
Profile Image for spidermse.
314 reviews50 followers
October 16, 2024
Lovely short and cozy monster romance! The story continues from book 1 and we find Ga'Rek and Piper already obsessed with each other but still somewhat in denial. Love the found family vibes and the protective males! There are a lot of questions still unanswered that I'm excited to figure out in the next book!
Profile Image for Angie.
1,395 reviews234 followers
October 17, 2024
"I would trust you with all my pieces, and all the parts that are still whole, Piper."

4.25 stars

This story was cozy, sexy, and sugary-sweet in the best way! Even though I loved Caelan's cheeky and mischievous nature, I absolutely adored how caring and obsessed Ga'Rek was towards his mate. The beginning half of the plot was fluffy fluff as both Ga'Rek and Piper circled around their attraction towards one another. And while it does take some time for them to finally acknowledge the tension simmering between them, the passion they evoked was scorching hot once the inferno was lit. I really enjoyed the second half when the action of the story picked up as preparations for the fall festival began, especially because we got to see more of my favorite trickster fae. Honestly, I was a little blindsided and confused by the twist that arrived at the end, but I'm intrigued at how it will be addressed in the next book🖤

Tropes: cozy monster romance, workplace romance, obsessed cinnamon roll hero, magical heroine, he falls first, small town, size difference, mating frenzy, hidden agenda, found family, slow burn, STEAMY🔥

*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
Profile Image for Liv - Livslibrarylabyrinth.
216 reviews39 followers
April 13, 2025
This is the second installment in the Wild Oak Woods series and it was short, spicy and sweet. It follows Piper, a witch who bakes sweets with enchantments, and Ga'Rek, an orc who is an ex warrior turned bakers assistant.

This was super cute! The two of them are into each other from the start and there is no third act break-ups, miscommunication or angst. It's just a straight up cosy romance 🥹.

Notes:
🍪 "It's clear that he's interested in cream filling of another sort, so you'd better hope your little eclair is sturdy enough to take it". Caelan is still my favourite character ever and his sass is unmatched.
🍪 This was super low stakes until the end which perfectly set it up for the next book (and I have a theory over which couple it will follow 🤭)
🍪 I NEED lemon-curd tartlets with an energy enchantment stat. Caffeine just isn't cutting it anymore.

Overall I'd recommend this book and the series in general if you're looking for something cosy but still 🌶️🌶️🌶️.

I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review but all thoughts are my own (I literally sprinted to the ARC sign up form for the first book like Caelan sprinted home that one time).
Profile Image for eclecticbychoicereads.
574 reviews58 followers
October 18, 2024
Ok, I am in my orc romance era, and Ga'Rek is the prime example of how a bulky warrior orc can also be the sweetest cinnamon roll you've ever laid eyes on. And January knows how to write the most perfect, cutest, steamiest, funniest monster romance ever.

How To Woo A Warrior Orc is Book 2 in January's Wild Oak Woods series, and it has brightened my day in the best possible way. I was reading it while riding the bus to work, and I think people were looking at me funny because I couldn't help giggling while reading this story.

The story follows another couple from Wild Oak Woods—after the trickster fae, it was time for a fierce and protective orc to find his mate. And he found it in Piper. From the first moment he laid his eyes on her, I knew we would be getting a Ga'rek & Piper story. These two were so cute together, trying to keep their emotions at bay, rather unsuccessfully, I might say. Then the wooing happened, and the rest was history.

I also loved we got glimpses of other characters, especially our favourite trickster fae. And Boner. I mean, it isn't a Wild Oak Woods story without Boner, right?

There were some rather exciting developments that I won't spoil for you, but they will bring us a grand finale in the next book. And I think I can see our new shy couple coming through. Do I hear some wings buzzing? Maybe...

How To Woo A Warrior Orc is set to be released on October 19th, so please gift yourself January's books and fall in love with the residents of Wild Oak Woods.
Profile Image for Céloise.
383 reviews235 followers
January 14, 2025
☆2.5 I’m so sick of hearing about the f*king HARVEST FESTIVAL 🍂🤯 🎃

Look, Ga’Rek was very sweet to Piper and super protective which I loved. And his man juice tastes like eclair, so there’s that. 🤭 But homegirl kitchen witch was annoying af. It seriously felt like her putting together this stupid harvest festival was going to mean completing a Physics PhD dissertation, solo brain surgery, and an Olympic gymnastics routine. On roller skates. And all I really saw her do was sob about seasonal flowers, bake a lot, cry some more, and offer to help lots of other people with stuff that had nothing to do with the dreaded harvest festival. And THEN she leaves when things fall apart and everyone else has to pick up the pieces? lollllz 😆 This is one extremely patient orc. 🧟‍♂️💘
Profile Image for KMart Vet.
1,522 reviews81 followers
October 20, 2024
Features:
- Magical (ahem) "Filling"
- Size Difference
- Animal familiars
- Mundane Magic (baking, enchanting, etc)
- Interconnected Stories
- Fae
- Monster Romance

This is such an utterly delightful addition to the cozy monster romance genre. The second book set in the charming and magical town of Wild Oak Woods, this book focuses on the adorable, low-stakes love story between an orc and a talented baker witch who runs a magical pastry shop. The sweetness of their romance is as delicious as the enchanted desserts they whip up together, and I found myself as completely smitten with these two as they were with one another.

The interconnected nature of the series is super fun. Each installment focuses on a new couple, but the overarching plot weaves through every book, creating a sense of continuity while letting each couple have their own romantic journey. In this case, the magic within the story isn’t just for epic battles or world-changing stakes. It has an enchanting, homey feeling to the world. I’m a sucker for stories where magic is woven into the mundane.

The relationship is filled with heartwarming moments and sizzling chemistry. I loved Ga'Rek’s quiet and almost shy personality beneath his intimidating exterior. It’s refreshing to see a monstrous hero who isn’t all about brute strength but instead has a gentle side, especially in the kitchen! Yes - he cooks for her. And, of course, the romantic tension builds perfectly.

What really shines in this series is its celebration of the little magical moments in life—the joy we find in our chosen careers, the warmth of community, and the enchantment of close relationships. The town of Wild Oak Woods feels idyllic, a place where love can blossom in cozy kitchens and during harvest festivals. Even with the low-stakes danger lurking in the background, the real magic lies in the bonds these characters form with each other.

If you're in the mood for a cozy, spicy romance with a charming setting and a sweet love story, this is the perfect escape. It's a feel-good read that will leave you smiling and leave you craving more.

Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy and opportunity to read and review. This review is voluntary and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lauren Afflerback.
50 reviews5 followers
October 17, 2024
I am so glad to be back in Wild Oaks Wood! Only this time we get to look into the lives of Piper and Ga'Rek!

The "kitchen witch" Piper is *STRESSED* planning for the towns fall festival and Ga'Rek is ready to do anything to help her. They have been working together in Piper's bakery, Pixie's Perch, since his arrival and it was love at first sight! As the fall festival draws nearer, oh did I mention that the local duchess is attending?!, their friends all come together to put on an event like no other!

When Ga'Rek and Piper take a stroll through the monthly night market, their attraction comes to light, and they realize just how meant to be they truly are!

But when the festival happens- all heck breaks loose with some visitors no one was expecting!
-------------------------------------------

Another fun and spicy read by January Bell! I love the easiness of conversations and the bonding between Piper and her big Orc, Ga'Rek. They love and kindness they show each other is *swoooooooon* worthy! He cares so incredibly deeply for her, and it melts my heart every time. I so wish this was more (as I usually do) but this is a great fall read!

I can't wait for what happens next!

Thank you, January Bell and publishers, for the opportunity to read this in advance!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rani.
80 reviews3 followers
January 2, 2025
“I would trust you with all my pieces, and all the parts that are still whole, Piper.”

I was not planning to read the second book this quickly, so safe to say I am utterly obsessed (please give me the next book!).

This story was even more fast-paced than the first one (less pages also). But, the plot was good and there is still so much more to come, it’s building up so well!
These characters had some depth, but less than Wren & Caelan, and I sometimes found it a bit harder to connect with them.

ೃ༄ Piper is such a cutie. She’s the mom of the coven, always worried about everything. But she learned to let others help her and I thought that was so adorable. I hope we’ll get to know a bit more about her in the next books maybe, as a side character? We shall see!

ೃ༄ Ga’Rek was a loveable character. We got to know a bit about his past which I really liked, it makes the characters feel more realistic. He’s also so sweet underneath all of his exterior and the way he cares for everyone and absolutely melts for Piper is amazing.
Profile Image for Racheal.
657 reviews11 followers
October 18, 2024
This book had all the best fall cozy vibes you could want in an orc romance. While we had an inkling that Ga'Rek and Piper would be getting together from the first book, it was nice to see their romance blossom. The first half of this book was all things cozy, romantic and spicy!💚 The second half took a more action-y turn. It was filled with coven discussions and one big surprise at the end that I didn't see coming! That said, I can't wait to see what happens in the next book in regards to how this surprise is handled.
One last thing I want to note is how much I LOVED the humor! Caelan killed me with his humor!😂 I seriously highlighted so many of his quips!
Overall, this was a great cozy and magical addition to Wild Oak Woods!
I want to thank January Bell for the opportunity to read this ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own in this review.
Profile Image for Lady Indecisive.
106 reviews5 followers
January 14, 2025
En comparación con el anterior me estaba faltando bastante trama porque todavía no sé exactamente qué va a pasar en el pueblo. Muy triste porque no han salido el resto de los libros de las brujas porque parece que se viene una guerra entre los Seelie y los Unseelie y el pueblecito es como el punto de encuentro. Al final tanto drama con la fiesta del solsticio y se soluciona en dos párrafos con el poder de la amistad.

Pero atentas que al final aparecen tres Elder gods (no sé qué es exactamente(?)) que quieren casarse con tres de las brujas del pueblo para mantener el pacto de protegerlo. Así que se vienen más intereses amorosos. También tenemos nuevo miembro en el aquelarre que es la bruja de la ouija(?) porque puede charlar con los muertos.

Un poco desapuntada de no poder seguir porque estaba siendo entretenido.
Profile Image for Amber.
149 reviews9 followers
October 19, 2024
I am absolutely in love with this series and with this book. It has the cosy fantasy/autumn vibes, the right amount of smut and an absolutely amazing doing family trope.

I love that it’s so much more than an ordinary cosy fantasy. I often find that cosy books lack a good plot and are just all vibes but this cosy fantasy series has an amazing plot that makes you want to keep reading. And Ga’rek and Piper are just to die for. The way this giant orc melts for HIS human witch is adorable to see.

I really can’t wait to see what book 3 in this series brings but I definitely can’t wait to read it once it’s out.
Profile Image for Bookloversofantastic.
595 reviews17 followers
October 18, 2024
3,5⭐️
It was great to go back into the universe, from the beginning, the relationship between Piper and Ga’rek was really sweet and cute. I love seeing this orc warrior work in a bakery alongside a witch who has a disposition for enchanted cupcakes and other recipes. Following book 1, they are preparing for a festival and the visit of the duchess, but damn I was not ready for THAT to happen, what a surprise.
I’m excited to see how everything will be resolved and what will happen next because I love those witches.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author, this is my honest review.
1,513 reviews12 followers
October 17, 2024
This is a gorgeous and sweet fantasy romance about two lonely people who are meant to be together.
I thought that Piper and Ga’Rek were perfect for each other.
I liked the change in pace compared to most romance’s which are a will they won’t they type of read. I thought that Ga’Rek sounded that a really nice guy who was loyal to his friends and was a closet romantic. Piper on the other hand is sweet, a touch neurotic and exceptionally proud of her baking.
I loved the way the main story arc exploded here and set the scene for the next book in the series!
This was a lovely 5 star read.
781 reviews6 followers
October 20, 2024
January Bell’s How to Woo a Warrior Orc, book two in her Monster Romance series, is a treat! In this story Piper, a witch who can produce delicious bakery goods, falls for former dark fae orc warrior Ga’Rek, who has become her assistant at The Pixie’s Perch, her bakery. Piper learns to rely on her sister witches to help with planning and implementing the fall festival, but the event is crashed by the Elders of the Elder Forest, who make demands! The whole town rallies to figure out a way to thwart the Elders. Can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Madison Rusnell.
349 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2024
4⭐️
3🌶️

I'm telling you guys, January never disappoints when you're looking for a cozy, smutty read! This series is PERFECT for this time of year! I loved how sweet Ga'Rek is and how obsessed with Piper he is!!! And then Piper is obsessed right back??? And then they're both just like "idk do I go for it???" SO PRECIOUS 🥰🥰 I cannot wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Callie.
660 reviews29 followers
December 7, 2024
I didn’t realize this was book 2 so that’s on me 😂 - so I didn’t know the backstory, but was able to catch on to most of it.

It felt a little incomplete to me. The romance is quick and cute, but the end is such a cliffhanger. Which is fine when it’s a series, but it felt more like a bridge to another book than a book that could stand alone as itself.
10 reviews11 followers
October 27, 2024
I loved this cozy monster romance book. It was the perfect book to wrap up my October readings. After reading How to Tame a Trickster Fae I was looking forward to reading Pipers story and this did not disappoint. I also cannot wait to see how the story of Wild Oak Woods continues!
Profile Image for Clea (mom2annareads).
39 reviews
October 22, 2024
What a wonderful book 2 in this warm and cozy series! I received an arc and my opinions are honest and my own.

The characters continue to grow and develop throughout this book along with the storyline. It got real in this one and now we start to see there’s something extra behind the scenes. There is some spice of course which is great.

Can’t wait to find out what it is in the next book. This was really a light, spicy, warm and fun (lots of laughs) read.
Profile Image for Karina.
23 reviews1 follower
December 7, 2024
Short. Sweet. Cozy. Spicy. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ I can’t wait for more haha.
Profile Image for Jessica Steed.
118 reviews5 followers
October 22, 2024
4.5 🌟 2🌶
This was super cute and picked up right where the first one left off. I was already invested in these two from the first one, so, it was nice getting a quick novella with their story. We also get to see all the other people we loved from the first book. Caelan is his normal adorable self 😆 🤣
Plus this was a great set up for the third book in this series! I'm really excited for the next one.
Profile Image for Tia.
142 reviews
November 23, 2024
so good!

A cozy holiday romance with banter and sweetness. The characters don’t spend forever resisting their attraction but they also enjoy getting to know each other before falling into bed. The characters were very relatable and I loved coming back to Wild Oak Woods, can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Megan.
95 reviews
November 16, 2024
Um you missed some book

You go through this whole book for it to not finish. I understand cliff hangers but this was past that. This was eh ill finish it tomorrow feeling.
Profile Image for Lauren Bridgeman.
515 reviews53 followers
October 17, 2024
Woo Girl - Orcs are Hot
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)  
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)  

“One taste, and you’ll want more. Drink too much, and you’ll never want anything else.”
~
Tropes:   
Cozy Romantasy
Witchy / Monster Vibes
Low Stakes
LOTS of Spice
Mates
~
Vibes:   
I’m loving this short and spicy romantasy series! This Wild Oak coven witches are a hoot, and the town newcomers show up at the perfectly fated time.

Piper is the sweetest pastry witch determined to help everyone around her without leaning on the strength of others. Ga’rek’s imposing size and strength is the perfect paring to her petite sweetness. He’s completely obsessed and unafraid to show it. She can’t resist the pull! Giving into her desires has never tasted so sweet.

Can’t wait to see how the mysterious happening unfold!
~
Recommended to...  
Spicy Romantasy readers who enjoy a quick and cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Ellen - most.lyromance.
631 reviews18 followers
November 7, 2024
How to Woo a Warrior Orc features Piper, witch and Ga’rek, orc. Piper runs a bakery, Ga’rek works with her. There’s no plot until there’s too much plot.

The beginning of this book is cute and very cozy fantasy. The fall festival is approaching, Piper and Ga’rek flirt wth each other, all is good. Then, we get a continued plot (or at least reference to that plot) from another book and an evil scheme to set up possibly more books.

Honestly, this was just a confusing mix of words. Romance wise, it was cute, but everything else kind of felt like word salad.
Profile Image for EJ.
77 reviews1 follower
March 15, 2025
*arc*
What a lovely story for two people that deserve each other!
Absolutely loved how things are getting set up for the next book!
One thing I love the most is each witch having her own trait and I hope we get to see all of them with a story 😊🍂🧡
Profile Image for Beth’s Book Collection.
379 reviews22 followers
October 20, 2024
"It's been a few weeks, but falling for her has taken no time at all."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

Author: January Bell
Publisher: Independently Published
Series: Wild Oak Woods: Cozy Monster Fantasy Romance
Release Date: 19th October, 2024

Perfect if you love:
- Orc Romance
- Short and Sweet
- Fantasy Small Town
- The Coziest Vibes
- Flavoured Fluids
- Low Stakes
- A Twist at the End
- Size Difference
- Pastry Witch
- High Spice
- He's a Smitten Kitten

This was the most fabulous book for in between bigger reads. I was so thrilled to revisit the cozy small town of Wild Oak Woods after the ending of book one to read what happened next, and I was not disappointed. Being low stakes but high spice with a plot line thread running through the book made for an enjoyable and refreshing read and after that ending I can firmly say I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series.

In this book we follow the tale of Piper, a talented pastry witch, and Ga'Rek, former unseelie court assassin orc, as they work together in Pipers pastry shop in Wild Oak Woods, Pixie's Perch. From the outset of these two meeting in book one, you know sparks and going to fly, and this book wastes no time getting around to business, and the sizzling interactions start to take place. We read on as Piper and Ga'Reks relationship develops as the town prepares for the harvest festival and the arrival of a local duchess. However, with many other strange occurrences going on, it is up to our core group to try and riddle out what is coming to this cozy small town.

The continued world building in this small town is a delight, January has continued to build on the foundations of book one and fully reinforces the small town vibes. I adored getting to travel to the night market once more, and the focus that this book has on food makes it that much more delectable. I can't wait to explore more of the town as the series goes on. You can just feel that there are plenty of hidden gems that we have yet to discover.

I adored Piper and Ga'Rek, with Piper being strong willed and finding it hard to accept help from others while willingly giving it out, it is lovely to see her lean on Ga'Rek and the support system he becomes for her. The spice and heat between these two is scorching, and this fits perfectly into the story, bringing another dynamic to their relationship.

The twist at the end, I did not see coming and has me absolutely craving the next book. If you're looking for a refreshing cozy small town low stakes fantasy romance series, then look no further.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews

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