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Five Gifts for the Blacksmith's Wife
When her village faces a winter of starvation, Sita draws the shortest straw. Now she’s to be given to the orcs across the river in exchange for food and supplies so her family can survive. Given the chance to choose her own husband from among the eligible orc bachelors, she selects Gurrek, the reluctant blacksmith, who clearly doesn’t want her. He’s the safest option.
Gurrek has always wanted a wife of his own, but not like this. Now he’s saddled with a human woman who needs new shoes, new clothes, and can’t even speak his language. He wants nothing to do with her, and yet her sweet, strong personality draws him in closer with every passing day.
As Sita and Gurrek try to find a place to fit within each other’s lives, attraction begins to bloom between them. But Gurrek refuses to touch a woman who never wanted to be his in the first place. Can Sita break through the blacksmith’s high walls to become his true wife, mind, body, and soul?
This is a sweet, cozy, steamy orc romance that features an arranged marriage, a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, a slow burn, a virgin sexual encounter, and a winter holiday vibe. Please check the content warnings on the author's website.
Gurrek has always wanted a wife of his own, but not like this. Now he’s saddled with a human woman who needs new shoes, new clothes, and can’t even speak his language. He wants nothing to do with her, and yet her sweet, strong personality draws him in closer with every passing day.
As Sita and Gurrek try to find a place to fit within each other’s lives, attraction begins to bloom between them. But Gurrek refuses to touch a woman who never wanted to be his in the first place. Can Sita break through the blacksmith’s high walls to become his true wife, mind, body, and soul?
This is a sweet, cozy, steamy orc romance that features an arranged marriage, a grumpy/sunshine dynamic, a slow burn, a virgin sexual encounter, and a winter holiday vibe. Please check the content warnings on the author's website.
270 pages, Paperback
Published November 27, 2024
78 people are currently reading
689 people want to read
About the author
Lyonne Riley
31 books875 followersLyonne Riley writes super steamy monster romance, fantasy romance, and sci-fi romance. She lives in the middle of nowhere with her spouse and two dogs, writing spicy fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
December 8, 2024
“Can I have an orc blacksmith husband” I ask universe. “Fuck you” says universe who was actually the fuck you guy.
Y’all I ate this up with a giant spoon. It was so adorable. It was a slow love that was nurtured through their desire to make things work. Was the language learning that plausible? No. Do I care? Nope! As long as they could talk to each idgaf how it happened.
He put together the cutest little gifts for her, and they actually talk things out when there’s a problem (for the most part, sometimes it takes a week for them to get to it). It was refreshingly healthy. He was constantly thinking of her and seeking out her consent, avoiding dicey situations when they had both had alcohol. What a mannnnn. I fear I need him.
Y’all I ate this up with a giant spoon. It was so adorable. It was a slow love that was nurtured through their desire to make things work. Was the language learning that plausible? No. Do I care? Nope! As long as they could talk to each idgaf how it happened.
He put together the cutest little gifts for her, and they actually talk things out when there’s a problem (for the most part, sometimes it takes a week for them to get to it). It was refreshingly healthy. He was constantly thinking of her and seeking out her consent, avoiding dicey situations when they had both had alcohol. What a mannnnn. I fear I need him.
September 26, 2025
5 stars
Nawwwwww!! These two were so precious and adorable, but also filthy in private. 🤣
Forced marriage trope, where Sita (the FMC) is allowed to choose which orc to marry, and she chooses Gurrek (the MMC) because he obviously doesn’t want her. But even though he’s uninterested in being married to a human, he’s also a grumpy caregiver. 😍😍😍
The story was (mostly) low-angst and ridiculously sweet (but filthy!), where they figure out how to communicate, do chores 😅, and fall in love along the way. It’s the type of story that might feel boring if you’re in the mood for a lot of plot, but I absolutely adored this.
Nawwwwww!! These two were so precious and adorable, but also filthy in private. 🤣
Forced marriage trope, where Sita (the FMC) is allowed to choose which orc to marry, and she chooses Gurrek (the MMC) because he obviously doesn’t want her. But even though he’s uninterested in being married to a human, he’s also a grumpy caregiver. 😍😍😍
The story was (mostly) low-angst and ridiculously sweet (but filthy!), where they figure out how to communicate, do chores 😅, and fall in love along the way. It’s the type of story that might feel boring if you’re in the mood for a lot of plot, but I absolutely adored this.
December 22, 2024
Gurrek is the sweetest, most caring, grumpy orc. He has no interest in marrying this tiny human, but he instantly cares about her well-being.
Watching these two slowly fall in love and open up to each other was everything. The central conflict was amplified by them not communicating, but once they open up, they finally find their happiness.
Watching these two slowly fall in love and open up to each other was everything. The central conflict was amplified by them not communicating, but once they open up, they finally find their happiness.
October 19, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed this book. The love story between the main characters was sweet and cute. Their love develop slowly and carefully. I enjoyed that they took their time to fall in love.
February 5, 2025
Ugh I love Lyonne Riley and all of her love stories. This one was extra sweet! With such delicious slow burn and sweet spice. Lyonne never misses. I love the sensitive subjects she touches on so delicately too. Gurrek and Sita have a special place in my heart forever!
April 14, 2025
Gurrek😍🥰Gurrek😫😍Gurrek😜🥵
he just sooo🥰🥵🥵😍😍😍😭
then he just🥵🥵😏😏🥰🥰☺️
Gurrek just😫🥰😏😏🥵🥵😍😍
oh mannn🥵😜😍😍😍😍😍
he just sooo🥰🥵🥵😍😍😍😭
then he just🥵🥵😏😏🥰🥰☺️
Gurrek just😫🥰😏😏🥵🥵😍😍
oh mannn🥵😜😍😍😍😍😍
December 25, 2024
This man here?……I need me one of him
Expeditiously 😋
🎶 IM EVERY WOOOOOMAAAAAAN, ITS ALL IN MEEEEEEE
Anything you want done, baby
I'll do it naturally✨🎶
Expeditiously 😋
🎶 IM EVERY WOOOOOMAAAAAAN, ITS ALL IN MEEEEEEE
Anything you want done, baby
I'll do it naturally✨🎶
September 8, 2025
Blacksmith is a great little sub-genre in romance, usually historical. Blacksmiths are going to be larger than most men, muscled, dirty, competent loners. In classics of the genre like the Tessa Dare Beauty and the Blacksmith from the Spindle Cove series, or A Wife for the Blacksmith they are also classic silent yearners with a long-time thing for their lady. This book falls perfectly in that niche, but all dialed up a little bit more because the blacksmith is an orc.
Riley writes very cozy monster romances, even when its all, ooh we're at war with the puny humans (as many of her books are) once they get together everyone is kind and sweet and caretaking. This book is absolutely no exception. Sita is traded by her village for food, and gets to pick an orc husband (the orcs need some biodiversity) and picks the one who absolutely doesn't want to be chosen, thinking, rightly, that he'll leave her alone. Of course even though he hates the idea of marrying a (yuck) human, its VERY shortly that he's all "Sita is not his wife, and he ought to keep his hands to himself" when another villager merely touches her shoulder.
Then it's just a matter of fish out of water settling in (she's the only human in the village), each not acting on their mutual attraction thinking the other doesn't share it, and some top notch consent and care every step of the way. This was a super cozy and enjoyable read. There's some orc culture and a MAJOR size difference to be accommodated but it's mostly just a well done arranged marriage coming together.
I enjoy Riley's writing, although some of her pairings are *too* different or alien for me (I would say I'm a 100-200 level monster person, and she's sometimes at 400 level). But the ones I do read, I generally like, and this was one of her strongest yet.
Riley writes very cozy monster romances, even when its all, ooh we're at war with the puny humans (as many of her books are) once they get together everyone is kind and sweet and caretaking. This book is absolutely no exception. Sita is traded by her village for food, and gets to pick an orc husband (the orcs need some biodiversity) and picks the one who absolutely doesn't want to be chosen, thinking, rightly, that he'll leave her alone. Of course even though he hates the idea of marrying a (yuck) human, its VERY shortly that he's all "Sita is not his wife, and he ought to keep his hands to himself" when another villager merely touches her shoulder.
Then it's just a matter of fish out of water settling in (she's the only human in the village), each not acting on their mutual attraction thinking the other doesn't share it, and some top notch consent and care every step of the way. This was a super cozy and enjoyable read. There's some orc culture and a MAJOR size difference to be accommodated but it's mostly just a well done arranged marriage coming together.
I enjoy Riley's writing, although some of her pairings are *too* different or alien for me (I would say I'm a 100-200 level monster person, and she's sometimes at 400 level). But the ones I do read, I generally like, and this was one of her strongest yet.
March 24, 2025
Grumpy Cinnamon roll? Yes please. Sita is sent to a new village in trade for her own villages needs. In order to make it through the winter they trade her. While she thinks she has a solid plan to pick an orc who doesn't want anything to do with her and his grumpy ways, she picks the perfect one.
Such a cozy vibe. Slow burn for sure but in a respectful way. It was so heartwarming to see the characters grow through the book.
Grumpy Cinnamon roll MMC
Maiden FMC
Language barrier
Miscommunication
Such a cozy vibe. Slow burn for sure but in a respectful way. It was so heartwarming to see the characters grow through the book.
Grumpy Cinnamon roll MMC
Maiden FMC
Language barrier
Miscommunication
April 14, 2025
3-3.5 stars
I came across Lyonne Riley while scrolling randomly through Instagram and decided to give her books a try. I was very pleasantly surprised by how sweet, low angst, and spicy this one was. Monster romances are nice since I can just sit back, enjoy the ride, and not think too hard about the actual logistics of everything fitting together. lol
Gurrek is a total grump (but a cinnamon roll inside) and I loved how thoughtful and caring he was towards Sita. It’s a slow burn, but things definitely get spicy in the second half. Overall, a quick and fun read and I’ll be picking up more from this author.
Content Warnings (from the author): May contain spoilers
- FMC is traded for food against her will
- Involuntary marriage
- Language barrier
- Masturbation
- Losing of virginity (mildly painful but intentional and willing)
- Killing of an animal in self-defense (off-screen, told as a story)
- Stretching and stuffing
- Graphic depictions of sex
- Breeding kink
I came across Lyonne Riley while scrolling randomly through Instagram and decided to give her books a try. I was very pleasantly surprised by how sweet, low angst, and spicy this one was. Monster romances are nice since I can just sit back, enjoy the ride, and not think too hard about the actual logistics of everything fitting together. lol
Gurrek is a total grump (but a cinnamon roll inside) and I loved how thoughtful and caring he was towards Sita. It’s a slow burn, but things definitely get spicy in the second half. Overall, a quick and fun read and I’ll be picking up more from this author.
Content Warnings (from the author): May contain spoilers
- FMC is traded for food against her will
- Involuntary marriage
- Language barrier
- Masturbation
- Losing of virginity (mildly painful but intentional and willing)
- Killing of an animal in self-defense (off-screen, told as a story)
- Stretching and stuffing
- Graphic depictions of sex
- Breeding kink
April 3, 2025
Guys, guys, guys, Gurrek is the most PERFECT grumpy cinnamon roll hero that gives you all the vibes 🥰🥰🥰🥰. This book was the grumpy x sunshine, cinnamon roll monster hero story I’ve been LOOKING FOR!! This so hit the spot, and I loved them together! The only complaint I have is that Sita started to get on my nerves when she started distancing herself from him (she made him CRY 😭) instead of TALKING with him about her worries, but THANKFULLY before it got too far they actually sat down and shared their thoughts and feelings and everything was RIGHT again 😅❤️.
Definitely recommend this one! (If you’re an audio reader, the audiobook was pretty good as well)
Definitely recommend this one! (If you’re an audio reader, the audiobook was pretty good as well)
November 30, 2025
Gurrek and Sita had a rough start. He was grumpy and bitter about having a human wife that he didn’t plan on, but over time figured out she was worth it. Sita was in a difficult situation and made the logical choice of picking the orc who seemed the least interested in her to marry to protect herself. Their romance was a slow burn and had some hiccups, but got to a HEA by the end.
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: FMC traded for food against her will, forced marriage, poverty, malnutrition, threat of starvation, death of parent (past), sexual harassment (by side character), emotionally unavailable parent, killing of animal in self defense (as story of side character), blood
Spice: 3/5
Triggers: FMC traded for food against her will, forced marriage, poverty, malnutrition, threat of starvation, death of parent (past), sexual harassment (by side character), emotionally unavailable parent, killing of animal in self defense (as story of side character), blood
December 21, 2024
Gurrek and Sita are EVERYTHING! Where to even begin? Their story made me swoon, smile and cry. I love it when a lone soul finds true love and this was a heartwarming tale of love that transcends any boundary.
Gurrek was just the best mc. He deeply cared for Sita, even when in the beginning he gives her the cold shower. Sita has been taken away from her family as a sacrifice. She cannot speak a single word of orcish and Gurrek at first was disgusted by his growing feelings towards her. She’s there against her will and purposefully chose him because he seemed the most uninterested of all. Despite their unconvential beginning, they slowly cannot longer deny their feelings towards eachother. Still, Sita struggles with the fact that she a mere “human”, weak and small unlike the strong and handy orcwomen.
Both Sita and Gurrek hide their insecurities from one another, resulting in them slowly growing apart before finally confessing what they’re truly feeling. When they do, it’s just such a beautiful moment of pure joy. Gurrek tells Sita that he doesn’t want an orc wife, but her and only her *crying*. She’s even allowed to go home and visit her family, eventually reuniting with Gurrek and starting a family with him ❤️ love love love! Perfect read for the Christmas season with the many gifts sprinkled throughout the story.
⭐️5
Gurrek was just the best mc. He deeply cared for Sita, even when in the beginning he gives her the cold shower. Sita has been taken away from her family as a sacrifice. She cannot speak a single word of orcish and Gurrek at first was disgusted by his growing feelings towards her. She’s there against her will and purposefully chose him because he seemed the most uninterested of all. Despite their unconvential beginning, they slowly cannot longer deny their feelings towards eachother. Still, Sita struggles with the fact that she a mere “human”, weak and small unlike the strong and handy orcwomen.
Both Sita and Gurrek hide their insecurities from one another, resulting in them slowly growing apart before finally confessing what they’re truly feeling. When they do, it’s just such a beautiful moment of pure joy. Gurrek tells Sita that he doesn’t want an orc wife, but her and only her *crying*. She’s even allowed to go home and visit her family, eventually reuniting with Gurrek and starting a family with him ❤️ love love love! Perfect read for the Christmas season with the many gifts sprinkled throughout the story.
⭐️5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2024
“You are the gift. A gift that fell into my lap one day, that I never expected to receive. And it took me too long to realize what I had.”
…
Five Gifts for the Blacksmith’s Wife was a delicious slow burn holiday story. I loved the natural relationship that formed between the MC’s and how sweet they were to one another. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
Sita and Gurrek really have to work to make their relationship happen. They’re both thrust into their marriage against their will and it takes almost the whole book for them to love one another. I adored how they worked their way through friendship and found unconditional love with one another. It felt so natural to watch it unfold. I also liked seeing how Sita integrated herself within the village and amongst all the orcs. She’s so resilient and strong for making the best out of her situation.
Their spice scenes are top notch as Sita needs a lot of stretching and prep 🥵. Gurrek is the definition of a gentle giant. There’s also some great world building around the story that leaves room for more and the side characters were really interesting! I’d love to see more stories from this universe!
Lyonne never misses with her books. The slow burn made it so hard to put down the book. I wanted to keep reading because I needed to see these two finally come together. There’s some classic tropes in this including forced marriage, language barrier, size difference, human x orc, miscommunication, angst, and pining. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think it’s a lovely holiday read!
…
Five Gifts for the Blacksmith’s Wife was a delicious slow burn holiday story. I loved the natural relationship that formed between the MC’s and how sweet they were to one another. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!
Sita and Gurrek really have to work to make their relationship happen. They’re both thrust into their marriage against their will and it takes almost the whole book for them to love one another. I adored how they worked their way through friendship and found unconditional love with one another. It felt so natural to watch it unfold. I also liked seeing how Sita integrated herself within the village and amongst all the orcs. She’s so resilient and strong for making the best out of her situation.
Their spice scenes are top notch as Sita needs a lot of stretching and prep 🥵. Gurrek is the definition of a gentle giant. There’s also some great world building around the story that leaves room for more and the side characters were really interesting! I’d love to see more stories from this universe!
Lyonne never misses with her books. The slow burn made it so hard to put down the book. I wanted to keep reading because I needed to see these two finally come together. There’s some classic tropes in this including forced marriage, language barrier, size difference, human x orc, miscommunication, angst, and pining. Overall I really enjoyed this book and I think it’s a lovely holiday read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2024
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
A slow-burn well worth the wait because Gurrek knows how to guide his little human through taking *ALL* of him. We love a caring consent king!! 🙌🏽 Lyonne never disappoints with her spicy stories filled with so much heart and fluffy goodness. My heart ached for Sita and the situation she was forced into but fate brought her an orc husband who cared for her while he slowly fell for her kind nature. He wanted a wife and family but thought his luck had run out only to see just how much this human wife was exactly what he was looking for. I got teary-eyed a few times and enjoyed the older orcess neighbor Merka’s meddling ways in this lovely novel with some holiday coziness.
A slow-burn well worth the wait because Gurrek knows how to guide his little human through taking *ALL* of him. We love a caring consent king!! 🙌🏽 Lyonne never disappoints with her spicy stories filled with so much heart and fluffy goodness. My heart ached for Sita and the situation she was forced into but fate brought her an orc husband who cared for her while he slowly fell for her kind nature. He wanted a wife and family but thought his luck had run out only to see just how much this human wife was exactly what he was looking for. I got teary-eyed a few times and enjoyed the older orcess neighbor Merka’s meddling ways in this lovely novel with some holiday coziness.
January 9, 2025
i appreciate this book's realistic depiction of how stupid, sad and useless you are at 20.
August 6, 2025
“I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but whatever it was, thank you. I love you, Sita. I have for so long.”
Went in knowing nothing about this book and came out a different person. I inhaled this in less than 24 hours, OK?!
Sita is traded off to the orcs, so her village doesn't starve during the winter. When she arrives, she is to pick a husband. Appalled by her situation and by the orcs, Sita decides on Gurrek, who had decided to leave. Not wanting a wife- especially a human wife, he has no option but to proceed with the ceremony. Once married, he starts providing for her in ways that make her want to accept her new life, and in doing so- he starts to let her in.
I really enjoyed that the FMC had to learn the orcs language and adapt to their way of living. It really highlighted as whole how much she was lacking after being bound to take care of her family. Sita's heart was so pure and it was what allowed her marriage to succeed. The way Gurrek made sure he was never rough with Sita (despite some misunderstandings) so that she found pleasure in all things 👀🤭- had me tearing up more than I can count.
10000% recommend.
Went in knowing nothing about this book and came out a different person. I inhaled this in less than 24 hours, OK?!
Sita is traded off to the orcs, so her village doesn't starve during the winter. When she arrives, she is to pick a husband. Appalled by her situation and by the orcs, Sita decides on Gurrek, who had decided to leave. Not wanting a wife- especially a human wife, he has no option but to proceed with the ceremony. Once married, he starts providing for her in ways that make her want to accept her new life, and in doing so- he starts to let her in.
I really enjoyed that the FMC had to learn the orcs language and adapt to their way of living. It really highlighted as whole how much she was lacking after being bound to take care of her family. Sita's heart was so pure and it was what allowed her marriage to succeed. The way Gurrek made sure he was never rough with Sita (despite some misunderstandings) so that she found pleasure in all things 👀🤭- had me tearing up more than I can count.
10000% recommend.
December 7, 2024
Sita the human is forced to become an orc bride to save her village from starvation. She picks grizzled blacksmith Gurrek, the only orc who does not want her and they have to learn and grow together.
THOUGHTS:
This was SO cute! Sita and Gurrek are a cute couple and it was cute seeing them learn to communicate
- the story, while sweet is kind of slow, there's not much plot and it takes forever for anything to happen which I found frustrating.
- while I loved them together, Sita really had NO personality for me. She's just kinda there. She's a bit sad for her family at first but aside from that we don't really even learn much about her as a character.
- Gurrek was really cute. He's just an anxious lil bean trying to be the best husband he can and take care of all of sita's needs. 10/10 cutie.
- the smut was pretty good as always and we LOVE a thick boi orc lead and some stuffing action. Personally I wanted a bit more tho! Lyonne usually does really drawn out detailed scenes and I felt like this was missing that tbh
THOUGHTS:
This was SO cute! Sita and Gurrek are a cute couple and it was cute seeing them learn to communicate
- the story, while sweet is kind of slow, there's not much plot and it takes forever for anything to happen which I found frustrating.
- while I loved them together, Sita really had NO personality for me. She's just kinda there. She's a bit sad for her family at first but aside from that we don't really even learn much about her as a character.
- Gurrek was really cute. He's just an anxious lil bean trying to be the best husband he can and take care of all of sita's needs. 10/10 cutie.
- the smut was pretty good as always and we LOVE a thick boi orc lead and some stuffing action. Personally I wanted a bit more tho! Lyonne usually does really drawn out detailed scenes and I felt like this was missing that tbh
January 26, 2025
This might be my favorite from Lyonne Riley ( that's a lie everything by her is my favorite) but oh my gosh this was so good.
I loved Sita and Gurrek and watching them fall in love was absolutely heartwarming. The two of them made mistakes along the way but I think that's what made their relationship so much sweeter.
This was so sweet and cozy- very much enjoyed.
I loved Sita and Gurrek and watching them fall in love was absolutely heartwarming. The two of them made mistakes along the way but I think that's what made their relationship so much sweeter.
This was so sweet and cozy- very much enjoyed.
September 16, 2025
I liked the Orc and I liked the fmc until 60% in. Then she got weird and whiny and the whole vibe of the book changed. She seemed childlike in the intimate scenes which was icky. He was great but maybe it was the audio narration and her making her voice small and childish.
The spice was good although it became repetitive.
Liked the ending
4 🌶
The spice was good although it became repetitive.
Liked the ending
4 🌶
March 10, 2025
Fantastic!! Slowish burn, but so freaking good. Absolutely my new favourite by this author. Would definitely recommend!
June 23, 2025
Ahhh this was so lovely and well-balanced and believable and sweeet
July 4, 2025
Short & sweet
November 25, 2025
okay this was a quick and cozy read. I give 4 stars instead of 5 because it feeds into the virginity is based on hymen thing which is false. and the main character gives a little pick me but I loved it otherwise. they are cute.
May 4, 2025
perf amount of angst and smut ✨ shout out to lyonne riley for writing romance with incredible angst. also shoutout to spotify for having this on audiobook; this is my first tie listening to a Riley book and it was 👨🍳💋
April 25, 2025
This one actually had a developed romantic arc lol
November 17, 2025
Did I just finish this book for the 3rd time in a month? Yes, I did. Am I thinking about picking it right back up and reading again? Yes, I am.
I've picked up some really good books this year, but this is by far one of the better ones I've read. It's just so cozy, cute, and fluffy, so it's become an instant comfort read for me.
The tropes and plot are just everything I love:
-Sunshiney fmc x grumpy to everyone but her mmc
- Language barrier!!
- Forced proximity/forced marriage
- The mmc pays SO much attention to the fmc, he knows all the little things she loves.
- They're just so silly and in love, and I love them.
Things I didn't like:
-Miscommunication/no communication about potentially leaving to visit her family turned leaving forever. BUT! I do understand why neither of them spoke out, so I'm letting it slide. It just breaks my heart every time I read it.
Moral of the story: pick up this book. It's 100% worth it.
I've picked up some really good books this year, but this is by far one of the better ones I've read. It's just so cozy, cute, and fluffy, so it's become an instant comfort read for me.
The tropes and plot are just everything I love:
-Sunshiney fmc x grumpy to everyone but her mmc
- Language barrier!!
- Forced proximity/forced marriage
- The mmc pays SO much attention to the fmc, he knows all the little things she loves.
- They're just so silly and in love, and I love them.
Things I didn't like:
-Miscommunication/no communication about potentially leaving to visit her family turned leaving forever. BUT! I do understand why neither of them spoke out, so I'm letting it slide. It just breaks my heart every time I read it.
Moral of the story: pick up this book. It's 100% worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
He was such a sweetheart but that itch of a wife I just wanted to kill her! All in all it was an ok book!
May 7, 2025
I’m being generous with these 2 stars.
April 13, 2025
⭐ Rating: 5/5
🔥 Spice: 3/5
This book? So, so good. I didn’t even realize it wasn’t officially set in the same world as Tempting the Ogre’s Heart and Enchanting the Ogre’s Heart until after I finished, but it wouldn’t feel out of place at all. The vibes, the depth, the tenderness? All there.
The premise pulled me in right away—Sita being exchanged for supplies? I was ready to watch these two go from unhappy cohabitants to yearning for each other and everything in between. The fact that she chooses Gurrek, the blacksmith just because it was beyond obvious he really didn't want her? Oof. What a setup. And yet… it unfolds into something so unexpectedly tender.
From the get-go, I loved that Sita made assumptions about the orcs—believing they must be more primitive, only to have those assumptions dismantled piece by piece. The cultural and language world-building in this book was so strong. Watching her learn the language was genuinely satisfying, and moments like “Baby blanket will be adult blanket” had me howling with laughter. It was adorable, hilarious, and deeply relatable. You use what you’ve got!
But what made this book shine was the mutual effort. Gurrek doesn’t just expect her to change—he learns too. He tries. And that’s what made their dynamic work. The slow-burn tenderness, his protective grumpiness, her stubborn streak—it all wove together into a genuinely lovely relationship.
My one (tiny) gripe? The lack of communication around their feelings. It wasn’t quite a third-act breakup, and the misunderstandings made sense—but part of me just wanted to shake them both. Her insecurity and his doubt about whether she truly wanted to be with him could’ve been resolved a little differently. Personal preference, though. I know we need conflict, but let me dream of emotionally well-adjusted monster husbands.
Found family vibes? Chef’s kiss. Sita’s inner strength, her refusal to be pitied, and her desire to contribute in any way she could made her such a standout FMC. And her dynamic with the others? Pure warmth. Loved it.
And now… the smut.
Sweet, slow, and intimate. The progression made so much sense, especially given the arranged marriage circumstances. Gurrek is all about her pleasure—there’s no rush, no pressure, just a slow build of trust and tension. The breeding kink was barely present here (if at all), but let’s be honest—making her come was clearly his thing. Love that for us. My only real wish? A little more smut-to-text ratio. But that’s just my smut girl heart talking.
TLDR: A heartfelt slow burn with gorgeous cultural immersion, grumpy/sunshine goodness, and a language barrier that somehow made everything more adorable. Highly, highly recommend.
🔥 Spice: 3/5
This book? So, so good. I didn’t even realize it wasn’t officially set in the same world as Tempting the Ogre’s Heart and Enchanting the Ogre’s Heart until after I finished, but it wouldn’t feel out of place at all. The vibes, the depth, the tenderness? All there.
The premise pulled me in right away—Sita being exchanged for supplies? I was ready to watch these two go from unhappy cohabitants to yearning for each other and everything in between. The fact that she chooses Gurrek, the blacksmith just because it was beyond obvious he really didn't want her? Oof. What a setup. And yet… it unfolds into something so unexpectedly tender.
From the get-go, I loved that Sita made assumptions about the orcs—believing they must be more primitive, only to have those assumptions dismantled piece by piece. The cultural and language world-building in this book was so strong. Watching her learn the language was genuinely satisfying, and moments like “Baby blanket will be adult blanket” had me howling with laughter. It was adorable, hilarious, and deeply relatable. You use what you’ve got!
But what made this book shine was the mutual effort. Gurrek doesn’t just expect her to change—he learns too. He tries. And that’s what made their dynamic work. The slow-burn tenderness, his protective grumpiness, her stubborn streak—it all wove together into a genuinely lovely relationship.
My one (tiny) gripe? The lack of communication around their feelings. It wasn’t quite a third-act breakup, and the misunderstandings made sense—but part of me just wanted to shake them both. Her insecurity and his doubt about whether she truly wanted to be with him could’ve been resolved a little differently. Personal preference, though. I know we need conflict, but let me dream of emotionally well-adjusted monster husbands.
Found family vibes? Chef’s kiss. Sita’s inner strength, her refusal to be pitied, and her desire to contribute in any way she could made her such a standout FMC. And her dynamic with the others? Pure warmth. Loved it.
And now… the smut.
Sweet, slow, and intimate. The progression made so much sense, especially given the arranged marriage circumstances. Gurrek is all about her pleasure—there’s no rush, no pressure, just a slow build of trust and tension. The breeding kink was barely present here (if at all), but let’s be honest—making her come was clearly his thing. Love that for us. My only real wish? A little more smut-to-text ratio. But that’s just my smut girl heart talking.
TLDR: A heartfelt slow burn with gorgeous cultural immersion, grumpy/sunshine goodness, and a language barrier that somehow made everything more adorable. Highly, highly recommend.
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