The Orc's Sweetheart

Creatures and Cottages #1

by Elle Sterling

Tilly is ready to live her cottagecore dreams on Starry Hill—a quiet island town where life is easy. Or so she thought.

Bodin enjoys his peaceful lifestyle, supportive community, and fulfilling job. But when Tilly blows in from Cape Easton, a place he’s sworn he’ll never set foot in again, his uncomplicated existence is turned upside down.

With awkward misunderstandings aplenty, can Tilly and Bodin conquer her pride and his prejudice and find love? Will the sweet meddling of Starry Hill’s residents help them embrace their attraction to one another, or will the ghosts of their pasts overshadow their future?

The Orc’s Sweetheart is a sweet and spicy, small town monster rom-com. It’s the first book in the Creatures & Cottages series. Each book can be read as a standalone. For readers 18+

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Monsters, Cozy, Monster Romance, Fantasy Romance, Adult

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2025

About the author

Elle Sterling is an author of wholesomely horny romance that'll make you giggle and swoon.

Much like her own life after emigrating from South Africa to South Korea, she enjoys writing characters crossing cultural barriers and loving without restraint.

You can usually find Elle in her writing cave with coffee within reach at all times. She also enjoys grilled kimchi-and-cheese sandwiches and hibernates during the humid summer until the weather has cooled.

To keep up with her life in Korea and latest releases, follow her on social media: @ellesterlingauthor

Reviews

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
While I liked the enemy vibes between the main characters at the beginning, I feel like there should have been more time before they fell in love. They were both generally kind people, excepting Bodin early in the book. Tilly was a NP and def had a passion for her field. Bodin was the local fixit orc and loved his community. Cute overall.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: borderline sexual harassment, child abandonment (historical), discussion of bullying, missing person (doesn’t last long), injury (no blood)

[destiny ♡ howling libraries · Rating 4 out of 5]

As of March 2025, you can find my reviews on…
→ booktube
→ bookstagram
→ hardcover
→ storygraph
→ threads
→ bluesky
→ blog

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This first book in a new cozy monster romance series is absolutely ADORABLE. It's cozy, it's adorable, it had me giggling and kicking my feet, and then it had me sweating 🥵

I loved the play on Pride & Prejudice. Our FMC is hard working and determined, but never wants to ask for help or be lacking. Our MMC has a bit of a traumatic past full of judgement and bullying which causes him to be quite judgmental and prejudice of our FMC. But watching them fall for each other and then work through their problems and past traumas? Ugh my heart!

The world building is amazing. With tons of adorable little shops and places, and so many fun characters. I was constantly wondering who could be a future FMC or MMC 👀

The spice was IMMACULATE. Don't let the cover fool you, we have a pierced MMC with a dirty mouth who loves c*m play, and a horny FMC who is insatiable and loves to be marked all over her body!

Speaking of, I loved that we got a curvy bigger FMC but that her size and weight were not the forefront of the plot or her personality. I love seeing more plus size reps in books, but absolutely HATE when it's her whole personality and is made into an insecurity.

All in all, an amazing first book in what's going to be a cozy cute, and spicy 😏, new monster romance series!

[Brave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never seen an author balance cozy cuteness with incredible spice as well as Elle Sterling. 10/10, I'm obsessed.

[Sonia With an I · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cozy smut. Ideal cottage-core setting, very cozy with baking and slow living activity with some heavy spice thrown in. Plus size rep was great! MMC grumpy and sweet.

[Misty's Book Space · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I read an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review. This is the first book in a new cozy monster romance series, and I thought it was so freaking cute. 

Tilly is our FMC. She moves from the big city to the small town of Starry Hill because she needs a change. Bodin is our MMC who is from this small town, but he has had some experience in the big city and let's just say that his bad experience causes him to be a bit judgmental when he first meets Tilly. It doesn't take long for them to go from dislike to like at all which is a nice refresher from all of the slow burns. I will say the jump from them not liking each other to them liking each other and being all flirty was a bit abrupt but I couldn't help but root for them. They were just so cute. Each character has their own pasts to work through and I loved seeing them grow throughout the book and learn to talk through their problems together. 

We get plus sized rep in this book as well with both characters and for the most part they are both very comfortable with their bodies which again I love. Tilly does show a little self-consciousness here and there but that's realistic to me. At one-point Bodin says "The Way Tilly's self-assuredness equally matches her vulnerability makes me fall a little more for her" That to me perfectly describes Tilly. Also, at one point Tilly refers to herself as a "plus sized queen" and I was just reading that like yes girl!!

The world building in this book was on point. The author did an amazing job painting the picture of Starry Hill so much so that I want to live there myself. Also, the spice in this book had me fanning myself and there's no third act breakup which is probably my favorite thing ever. 

If you want an easy quick read that's not action packed but still packs a punch, I highly recommend picking up this small-town monster romance.

[monika_is_booked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tilly is about to start her new job as a nurse practitioner on the quaint island of Starry Hill. On the bottom of her list: find love. But when the Starry Hill's caretaker Bodin catches her eye, who is as irritating as he is handsome, she can't help but wonder if she might have to overthink her priorities.
When Bodin hears, that the new nurse comes from the city, he has loads of prejudices he's yet to overcome after some more than unpleasant experiences with the creatures who live there. But Tilly slowly worms her way under his skin and he can't help but wonder why she's being nice to everyone but him. Maybe he got it all wrong?

These two are the cutest 🥹🥰. Both a bit too quick to jump to conclusions they realise might not be true later on. The entire town watching them fall for each other but looking the other way and pretending they don't know what's going on? Priceless!! I really fell in love with Starry Hill and it's kind and fun characters and can't wait for more stories from my new favourite monster small town 🥰

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you don't know what you need until you pick up a cozy, romantic, swoon romance between an human and an orc. I loved it.

And I wish I could pack up my bags and lives in Starry Hill. The community and the found family feeling were perfectly written and you'll feel at home while reading it.

Bodin and Tilly's story was beautiful. I love how grumpy he was and unsure about her. Until she proves him how wrong he was.

Tilly is such an incredible FMC. She's strong, badass and wants to make a difference as a nurse for the people of Starry Hill. She's loyal and wants the best for everyone.

Bodin couldn't resist her. He made her feel safe and loved and he really cares for her.

Thank you so much to the author for the free digital ARC for an honest review.

Read this if you love :

✨ Monsters romances ;
✨ Small Town Romances ;
✨ Found Family;
✨ Grumpy x Sunshine ;
✨ Spicy 🔥

[meevreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Orc's Sweetheart was so cute, and Starry Hill sounds like such a dreamy place to live 😍

I loved Tilly and Bodin. I think their relationship was made even greater by their catastrophic first encounter because their chemistry was greater than any bad first impression aftertaste 😁 They truly fit well together and were both adorable and electric together.

This story contained an array of great characters and I hope that means that we'll get to see a lot more of Starry Hill in the future!

𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this from start to finish. The community of Starry Hill? Absolutely delightful. Grumpy orc and sunny nurse? Misunderstandings? Yes, please. This was so sweet and steamy at the same time. I loved the interactions with the other residents on the island and hope that there will be many more books to come in the series. I will definitely be picking up book 2 when it is released.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore a cozy monster romance and this genuinely delivered. The world of Starry Hill is idyllic and inviting. The quirky cast of characters were a treat and made me want to learn more about their lives. Bodin and Tilly were precious and the spice was serving. This quick read is truly a good time and one I recommend to all lovers of the genre. Looking forward to reading the next one!

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s no explanation for this, but this book feels like fall. It’s short, sweet, cute, and has wholesome small town vibes. Only not five stars bc some of the dialogue was a little cringe. Immediately starting the next book

[Kara McCrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so kindly given this book by the author n return for my honest opinion 🩷

Another absolutely wonderful book by Elle Sterling! This is the first in her new series Creatures & Cottages, and it was the cutest and most cozy book I think I've read so far this year. I loved the dynamic between Tilly and Bodin. The tension and slight apprehension at the begining of the book kept me on the edge of my seat just waiting for them to both crack and admit they may just like one another.
And in my opinion they were perfect for each other.
Also Audrey in the book was like a hit to the chest. The love her and Tilly have as cousins, although she's a small part in the book, immediately reminded me of my cousin as she's my best friend so right away the book decided to grab for my heart strings.
This book has a very low stakes and cozy vibe while incorporating spice and overall it was just a wonderful time. I am soooo excited for what's to come next in Starry Hill, because honestly? I'd move there in an instant if given the chance

[Kaitlyn Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!

I got the honor of ARC reading this book, and it was definitely worth waiting for!!

I love Starry Hill and will be moving IMMEDIATELY.
Bodin and Tilly are everything.
The banter is perfect.
The way they become home for the other makes me melt.

The spice is spicy.
Bodin can put me over his knee any day 🥵🥵
The vibes are so cozy and warm.
And there's a good bit of vulnerability and openness within the emotions that really made this book well rounded.

We even get a little diabetes rep with Audrey!
And speaking of Audrey
I adore her. I have my own cousin/best friend who means the world to me, so I loved seeing us in them.

This book was such a good, light read if you love cozy, spicy monster romances!!

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5 🌶

ARC Review!

This is my first read by Elle Sterling,and it won't be my last. Sometimes, you just need a sweet, cozy read, and that's exactly what this was.
Starry Hill is a place I want to live. Just take me there, please. It's inclusive and accommodating, and all the residents are so dang sweet. There's something there for everyone, and I just fell in love with it.

Tilly is a nurse practitioner and is making the move to Starry Hill to start her career. She wants to get away from big city life and start over in a place with a much slower pace. When she arrives, she meets Bodin, the island caretaker. He's a tall, burly, orc, and he also comes off very grumpy and opinionated.

Tilly's patience wares thin pretty fast, but she's immediately attracted to Bodin and doesn't really know what to do with herself. Tilly is not one to ask for help. She'd rather suffer in silence and do it herself. Bodin has had a bad history with people from the big city, and he immediately judges Tilly for where she came from, believing that she is just like the others.

Tilly quickly makes her rounds on the island and becomes fast friends with many residents. I love the different creatures that live on the island and how Tilly helped them with the different ailments they were experiencing. I thought the writing and creativity were well done, and I was giggling and smiling with all the different characters.

Bodin and Tilly don't waste much time letting their anger and frustration subside. They are absolutely obsessed with each other and have a hard time keeping their hands to themselves 👀

If you want a low stakes, low angst read, with a HEA and sweet, loveable characters, this book is for you!

[McKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m already packed and waiting for Bodin and Tilly to come pick me up to take me to Starry Hill. This book was delectable, swoony, cozy to the highest degree, and healing! I absolutely loved Tilly from page one, a plus sized nurse who has a hard time ask for help? Oh yeah, I’m already down on one knee for her.

Bodin is probably one of my favorite orc MMCs of all time! (And I have read a LOT!) I loved that this story was just so much more than immediate orc mate lust. We had to peel layers back and break walls down and open up (although that first kiss was HOTTTTT)

Starry Hill… is it crazy to say that I have mourned the fact that I will never be able to live here? It is such a perfectly cozy cottagecore town, full with gardens and cute shops and people. I love the sense of community with everyone. I am utterly besotted with Starry Hill and all of its citizens.

I am gnawing on the iron bars of my enclosures to read more from Starry Hill!! The ending of TOS was so BEAUTIFUL UGH 😭😭😭 excuse me while I cry

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: This book grabbed me from the start with how relatable Tilly felt to me. She's self reliant and stubbornly independent to a degree that her friend calls her out (lovingly) and reminds Tilly that it's ok, even good to ask for help sometimes and that Tilly needs to practice the self advocacy that she advises her patients about regularly. Honestly, all the side characters are absolutely lovely. This is the coziest of cozy romances, full of small town vibes mixed with the anxiety of being the odd man out (being human in a town on an island filled with non-humans) and new to a town where everyone knows everyone else. One of my favorite interactions is when Tilly meets Bondin's sister Beryl for the first time because not only do they become fast friends in a darling way but the author wrote this snippet about Beryl's wife in the most casually normal way of showing representation in this world. Especially now, that was something that really meant a lot to me. "Beryl stands next to her and gestures the directions. “Walk back down this path, and at the fork turn east. Follow the trail around Kraken Cove, be sure the ocean is always on your right. You’ll spot your cottage as you come over a small hill. Yours is a pale sandstone cottage with a yellow door.” “A yellow door?” Tilly almost drops the handles, and my hand shoots forward, but she recovers quickly, tightening her grip. Beryl nods. “Yes, pale butter yellow. Every cottage has a door with a different color. Mine matches my wife’s eyes—dark topaz.” “That’s lovely. I’m looking forward to meeting your wife.” “You’ll meet her tomorrow. Her shop is right next to mine. She runs The Horned Pearl. She does nail and horn care. Scales too. Anything beauty related actually.” “Amazing. Well, I better be going. It was a pleasure to meet you.” Tilly looks directly at me, her eyes not quite matching the warmth in her voice. “Both of you. Thank you for all your help, Bodin. See you around.”

Bodin is a bit of a dork around Tilly at first, letting assumptions and bad past interactions turn him into a bit of a sullen jerk towards Tilly. But in reality he's ever so sweet and considerate to those around him. He's a wonderful match for Tilly as she is for him and reading this story was the book version of hot cocoa and a fuzzy blanket on a cold day. Warm, comforting, and makes you want to bury yourself in that moment and never emerge. Great new comfort read for me. 5/5 Stars

[Ruby Dalegendaryreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love, however, is the word hovering on the tip of my tongue, bubbling up from the deepest parts of my heart, filtering through my skin, begging to be released and embedded into her soul."

Tilly's ready for a new adventure and she got accepted to be a nurse in the small town, Starry Hill, where most of its residents are non-humans. However, she clashed with the town's caretaker and orc, Bodin.

I love our main characters. They were both fleshed out and had enough depth to them, that I felt like I can be friends with them lol. Tilly's such a good hearted person, that I can feel it through her actions. Bodin's such a grump, and we love them.

Plot wise, not a favorite of mine because I prefer me some slow burn (Read Enchanting the Elf by this author for a top tier slow burn romance!), so I think that kinda factor in my rating but I still enjoyed the journey.

"it feels as if the world freezes, time itself stopping for us. The entire universe dissolves away until it’s only us under the bright stars of a cloudless night"

Romance was sizzling hot. Did not expect this to be so spicy, but oh my, I just had to fan myself for their scenes.

The whole found family really added to the whole coziness this book endeavor. The side characters also added a lot of fun! I can't wait to meet more of them in the next one. I will def be here for the next.

Author's writing def improved, and I am so proud of her! I had so many highlights in my Kindle.

"My soul seeks hers like a flower in her garden seeks the sun, like her warmth is essential to my being."

Overall, I love the main characters and I love the play on Pride and Prejudice on this novel. This book felt like the first rays of sunshine on rainy day. The perfect spring book,. I know that I will read the rest of the series, especially the next one and Audrey's book!

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet and heartwarming romance that pulled me right away. TOS is an intro to a whole new monster series centered around the picturesque island of Starry Hill.

Do not let the cutesy cover and soft rosy vibes of the blurb fool you. Tilly and Bodin's story is full of laughs, feel good moments, friendship, healing and found family but it also has a simmering sexual tension that sparks off the pages and when the spice hits, it's molten!

It was easy to like Tilly, she was my kind of girl. Soft hearted but sassy and independent. I found her so relatable and loved rooting for her to get her HEA.

Bodin was such a perfect pairing for her. He didn't make the best first impression and his past colored his assumptions of her in a very negative light but I loved that once he saw just how wrong he was about Tilly, he went above and beyond to earn her trust and her heart. This male was a gentleman in the streets but a dirty talking dominate in the sheets! Just . . . wow! How he had me swooning with butterflies in my tummy and melting me into a puddle of lusty gooey in seconds flat is definitely memorable, haha 😊

Needless to say, I'm hooked on this author. Every book I've read has been so unique, full of emotion and characters you will not soon forget. If you haven't read Elle Sterling, I highly recommend. Her books have all been 100%, no OW/OM drama and a guaranteed HEA that is always equal parts sweet and spicy!

Favorites Bits:
🖤 Bodin's mouth! Colored me surprised!!!
🖤 The slow burn/build up to their romance *chef's kiss*
🖤 Bodin's sister and sis-in-law! Total riot and hope they make more cameos in the next book(s).


SAFETY INFO:
Ages : Bodin is 31 and Ellie is 28

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : None.

Separation : None.

Triggers/Tropes/Content Warnings: Orc x human pairing, alternative universe/world, semi public play, cum play, possessive marking, ridged/pierced peen, tit fucking, thigh riding, plus size worship, pearl necklace, rough play.

HEA/HFN : HEA with epilogue.

[Michelle Lebron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been so excited for this book, and it absolutely enchanted me—Starry Hill is pure magic! The quirky shop names, the cozy cottages, the variety of creatures, and, most of all, the main characters—I completely fell in love with them. They are perfect for each other, and their chemistry is on another level.

Tilly is the sweetest—everyone adores her instantly. The moment she laid eyes on Bodin, she couldn’t help but fall for him, and honestly? I don’t blame her—I would have too! We all know that the grumpy ones always end up being the biggest cinnamon rolls, and this was no exception. Both characters were amazing, and even though their relationship progressed quickly, it felt perfect. Bodin even apologized for his initial behavior and explained the heartbreaking reason behind it. Knowing why he acted that way absolutely shattered me—he’s such a good, sweet guy.

And the spice? Delicious. Just the right amount. Bodin could not keep his hands off Tilly, and she was just as obsessed with him. Let’s just say… there wasn’t a single corner of that town they didn’t try to turn into their personal hot moment.

I also loved all the side characters—they made the town feel so alive. Everything about Starry Hill was so cozy that I just wanted to step into the book and never leave. It’s the kind of town we all wish we could live in, with its charming cottages, whimsical shops, and wonderful people.

I need more of Starry Hill—I can’t wait for the next love story in this series!

[spidermse · Rating 5 out of 5]

So when are we all moving to Starry Hill? I'm ready for Beck to pick me up! When I dream of the perfect place I would want to live it's a place that looks like Starry Hill. The beautiful cottages, the ocean, the forests, the supportive and accepting community....it's perfection.

I love Bodin so much but oh my goodness was he such a grump at the beginning! I wanted to slap that orc. He quickly redeemed himself though. And we learn the reasons behind him being so prejudiced and unsure about Tilly. I absolutely cried reading him talking about it. And his love for his Ma....had me swooning!

Tilly is such a great FMC. She's strong, determined, and dedicated to her patients. Even if that dedication causes trouble for herself. But thankfully she has the best of friends and now a loyal orc husband to keep her on track. We all need a friend like Audrey.

Let me tell you...the spice...it was SPICIN. Elle went above and beyond with these two. Even before the mating rut Bodin and Tilly couldn't keep their hands off each other. The poor town though. 😆 I was giggling at everyone yelling "get a cottage!" I can't wait to read Bodin's POV during the rut. I NEED to know what he was thinking.

This was the perfect book to begin Spring. And I cannot wait to go back and get more of these lovely characters. There's such a cast of monsters that need love. And I volunteer! 😆

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨REVIEW✨

📖Book: The Orc’s Sweetheart
📖Series: Creatures & Cottages by Elle Sterling
📖Reading Details: E-book ARC
📖Genre: Monster Romance
📖Tropes/Tags: small town, found family, pride and prejudice vibes, low angst, sweet and spicy, plus sized FMC, cottage-core galore
📖 Page Length: 255

Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 4/5 🔥🔥🔥🔥

Thank you to the author for this ARC. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

That’s it… I want to live in Starry Hill. I yearn to live in this imaginary place. The setting Elle created was so vivid, I felt like I could hear the ocean waves, feel the salted breeze, and smell the flowers in the garden. This fictional place is what I dream of.

This book was exactly what I needed. It was so sweet, low drama, and just made me happy. I really enjoyed Tilly and Bodin’s story. Their relationship started out rocky due to their pride and prejudice. But once they overcame their differences, their relationship was so cute. Their mutual support for each other was something that a lot of people could learn from. And the diverse community has me excited for more!

This book is perfect if you’re looking for cozy cottage island vibes, a sweet and SPICY plot, and an adorable romance. Elle never fails to bring the perfect balance of heartfelt moments, incredible spice, and perfect endings. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Josie Lingard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orc's Sweetheart by Elle Sterling
5 🌟

Tilly is ready to live out her cottagecore dreams on the idyllic Starry Hill, and when she arrives, she is met by the attractive orc Bodin, the island caretaker. But what could be the start of something wonderful goes awry when they get off on the wrong foot, both letting the ghosts of their pasts affect their present. There's something between them, but can Bodin look past his prejudice? Will Tilly be able to put her pride behind her? Read The Orc's Sweetheart to find out. 🪻

I feel like I say this every time but Elle has done it again!! I absolutely devoured this book, as I do with all of Elle's books 😍 Bodin was a complete dreamboat and damn was that male down bad for Tilly, even when his prejudice was getting in his way. How he worshipped Tilly and was willing to put his past hurt behind him to ensure that he could have a future with Tilly in the way she deserved made me ✨swoon✨. Tilly was such a happy, fun and relatable character 🫶🏻 She cares so deeply about her friends and patients and I wanted to give her a giant hug whenever she was down. This book has cozy vibes, fantastic banter, and wonderfully written spice galore. It releases on March 29th and I highly recommend that you check it out!! 💜🪻

[Bookfairymel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know I needed an Orc Romance from this author until I was reading it! This was such a reminder that Orcs will always be my favorite, especially when said Orc is a big beefy sweet talker so manhandles his girl like she weighs nothing. As a curvy girl myself, I love nothing more when the MMC appreciates a girl’s thickness. Bodin had everything I need in an MMC, tall, thick, strong, sweet talker, worshipful and protective with a touch of desperation for the FMC. It was such a heady blend of man, I love an MMC who’s absolutely obsessed with his girl and not afraid to show it.

And what a woman to be obsessed with! A plus size nurse who cares for people as easy as breathing. Who’s sweet and not afraid to be feminine, but also fierce and strong in the things she wants and sets out to achieve. To me, she was a perfect representation of a curvy girl who’s proud of her body but still gets insecure sometimes. I love my body but it’s hard to positive about it all the time, which was very real! The spice was out of this world, these two can’t keep their hands off each other in equal measure, which I loved. And Bodin has some very special equipment *wink* you need to read to asap. I can’t wait for more from this series, an excellent first book!

[Michelle Gianchetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Small town cottage core cozy vibes, with a curvy fmc and a 6’8 orc, sign me up!!!!

You start with the beautiful friendship between two cousins Audrey and Tilly. Tilly is the new RN in Starry Hill and she’s getting ready for her departure to the new town!

Starry Hill is it’s own beautiful island we’re all the locals are non human and creatures and all live and work in the cutest shops and cabins you could ever imagine. With names like Karen Cove for the beach, shops with the names The Horned Pearl and The Flowering Teapot just add so much charm and fun to the story!! Everyone knows each other and helps each other out.

Enter Bodin a grumpy orc who doesn’t want to let Tilly off easy, not all humans from Cape Easton were nice to him so he has a hard shell at first but ohhhhh man does he grovel and make up for it!

Mr 6’8 with 8 piercing as well knows how to treat his woman, be it rolling her around in a wheel barrel so she doesn’t hurt her injured ankle more or telling her , “I thought I told you to sit on my face. Give me your full weight, Matilda. Ride me. Soak me. Own me.” Ok yeah close the door for 3 days and let me rut with an orc it can go to 4 days like Tilly and Bodin too!

Just loved loved this read! The breakfast dates, his chairs and table her got Tilly, doing Tilly on those chairs and table her got Tilly! Lolll

Can’t wait to find out more about Ren in the next book!

Thank you so so much for the e arc!

[Rosie | xo.rosiereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Orc’s Sweetheart is a sweet and spicy, Pride & Prejudice-inspired monster romcom you didn’t know you needed. A cozy, swoony romance between a human and an orc? Sign me up.

Honestly, I wish I could pack my bags and move to Starry Hill. The sense of community and found family was beautifully written—you’ll feel right at home while reading.

Bodin and Tilly’s story was a perfect mix of grump and sunshine. He’s broody and skeptical, convinced she doesn’t belong—until she proves just how wrong he is. And Tilly? She’s a powerhouse. Strong, compassionate, and fiercely loyal, she’s determined to make a difference as a nurse for Starry Hill’s people.

Bodin never stood a chance. He makes her feel safe, cherished, and undeniably wanted. Their relationship is all kinds of adorable, made even better by their hilariously disastrous first encounter. That awkward start only made their chemistry burn brighter—these two fit in the best way.

With a fantastic cast of characters and a dreamy setting, I can only hope this isn’t the last we see of Starry Hill!

What to Expect:
🪻 Plus-sized human FMC
🪻 Beefy orc MMC
🪻 Cottagecore vibes
🪻 Found family
🪻 Small-town charm
🪻 Diverse cast
🪻 Mutual pining

Thank you to Elle Sterling, the author, for the ARC opportunity!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cozy, spicy monster romance totally surprised me—in the best way! The Orc’s Sweetheart was my very first monster romance, and now I get the hype. Tilly, a plus-size nurse looking for a fresh start, takes a job in the charming town of Starry Hill. I absolutely loved her personality—kind, capable, and full of heart.

Bodin, the town’s gruff orc caretaker, isn’t exactly thrilled about her arrival, but his skepticism stems from past experiences with city folks. Watching these two slowly grow closer was such a delight—they’re so cute together, and their relationship unfolds with warmth, tension, and just the right amount of spice.

The world building really stood out to me. Starry Hill felt like a place I could actually pack up and move to—filled with personality, a close-knit community, and just the right touch of fantasy. And let’s talk about Bodin… protective, broody, and unexpectedly sweet. “You’ll come to find there are many things I’d do for you.” Swoon.

This story was everything I didn’t know I needed: cozy, romantic, and full of heart. Plus, major love for the plus-size representation—it was handled with care and authenticity. If you’re curious about monster romance or looking for a soft but steamy read, this one’s a great place to start!

[B (ReadLikeB) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC but all thoughts are my own.

What a fun and spicy small town monster romance! I loved Tilly and Bodin and really enjoyed watching them go from annoyance to lovers. Bodin was such a grump but I'm a sucker for those grumpy MMC's. I loved how excited Tilly was about moving to a new town and being able to help others. She's such a sweetheart. Both our MC's have some trauma in their past, and I really liked watching them open up to each other. Oh and did I mention that Bodin has some special piercings going on? *eyebrow wiggle*

I really enjoyed the amount of monsters that this little island has. So far we've met a vampire, a few demons, a kraken, fairy, druids, and more! It's such a hodgepodge of creatures and I love it. I can't wait to learn more about everyone who lives on Starry Hill as the series progresses.

This book was a pretty quick read but the pacing was perfect. There was enough dislike between the MC's at the start to add a little tension to the book, but not enough to call this enemies to lovers. I'm excited to see where this new series goes!

[Spinster Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an absolutely delicious spicy bundle of joy & happiness. The book is just like the cover - sweet and pretty with hot characters (doing hot things). Delightful!

Tilly is a human nurse who specialized in non human family health and is relocating from Cape Easton to Starry Hill. Bodin is an orc who was raised in Starry Hill and is not a fan of city people, especially not ones from Cape Easton.

They meet when she gets to the island, it does not go well. And results in her hauling a cart by herself to prove a point and him eventually hiding in her bushes. It is amazing!

Tilly is a brilliant woman. She is sweet and feisty and clumsy. I love her. And I love a plus-size character who still gets to live life and be healthy and whole and happy.

Bodin is a mushy, sweet, hot orc who fiercely protects what he loves. He is strong and confident and smart. And he is pierced and has a beard. He is the whole package. Swoon!

I am so grateful that I got to read this in advance. It was such a privilege and my review is based entirely on my vibes and feelings.

I highly recommend!!

[Katie Brackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is Tilly taking anymore applications for a best friend? Cause I need to be one of hers desperately! I'm so jealous that all the amazing characters get to live on Starry Hill. The way that Elle Sterling creates these creatures and island makes me want to hop on a plane and find this community ASAP. Tully is sassy and fiery with an issue of not asking for help. She's prideful and independent to a fault which is incredibly relatable. I myself will happily to do something on my own just to prove that I can. And don't get my started in Tilly's hilarious inner monologue! Elle is my favorite author for inner monologues! She writes as if your truly having a conversation with the characters.
Now for mister grumpy gills Bodin. He's an butthead at the begining due to his own prejudices towards city folk. Once he realizes how wrong he is, sexy and dominant Bodin is there to prove himself worthy! He is happy to bend over backwards for Tilly and also happy to bend her over a table or two 🥵
Please read for your new best friend and her hunky orc!