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My Big Fat Orc Wedding: A Spicy Cozy Fantasy Romance
It was the perfect A wannabe bard pretends to marry a grumpy orc.
The only thing that could get in their way? His overly enthusiastic family.Lyra Elessande dreams of more than pouring pints at her family’s tavern—she wants to be a bard, writing songs that stir hearts across Emmorea. But until she gets her big break, she’s stuck playing for tips and dreaming big in sleepy Starling Vale.
When the gruff (and unexpectedly gorgeous) orc brewmaster Aragos Stonegarde walks into the tavern during what she thought was an innocent little ditty, Lyra accidentally insults a centuries-old orc tradition—and earns the ire of the entire Stonegarde clan.
To save face, Aragos proposes a they’ll pretend to be engaged to smooth things over with his family. In exchange, he’ll help Lyra build her reputation as a bard.
What starts as a fake betrothal quickly spirals into a wedding-sized mess. Orc traditions are elaborate, the Stonegardes are very involved, and Lyra is completely out of her depth when it comes to feasting halls, battle customs, and brooding orc grooms-to-be. Not to mention the fact that there's only one bed in the castle for the couple.
As Aragos’ cold exterior begins to melt and Lyra’s songs grow more heartfelt, the line between what’s real and what’s not gets dangerously blurry. And when someone threatens to unravel both the wedding and her budding career, Aragos proves he’ll fight for more than tradition—he’ll fight for her.
My Big Fat Orc Wedding is a full-length cozy fantasy romance packed with stringed serenades, too much ale, a found orc family, one very grumpy orc, a sunshiney bard, and the (maybe) wedding of the century.
Welcome to Starling Vale, where your favorite Hallmark Channel movies meet World of Warcraft—with a heavy dose of spice.
The only thing that could get in their way? His overly enthusiastic family.Lyra Elessande dreams of more than pouring pints at her family’s tavern—she wants to be a bard, writing songs that stir hearts across Emmorea. But until she gets her big break, she’s stuck playing for tips and dreaming big in sleepy Starling Vale.
When the gruff (and unexpectedly gorgeous) orc brewmaster Aragos Stonegarde walks into the tavern during what she thought was an innocent little ditty, Lyra accidentally insults a centuries-old orc tradition—and earns the ire of the entire Stonegarde clan.
To save face, Aragos proposes a they’ll pretend to be engaged to smooth things over with his family. In exchange, he’ll help Lyra build her reputation as a bard.
What starts as a fake betrothal quickly spirals into a wedding-sized mess. Orc traditions are elaborate, the Stonegardes are very involved, and Lyra is completely out of her depth when it comes to feasting halls, battle customs, and brooding orc grooms-to-be. Not to mention the fact that there's only one bed in the castle for the couple.
As Aragos’ cold exterior begins to melt and Lyra’s songs grow more heartfelt, the line between what’s real and what’s not gets dangerously blurry. And when someone threatens to unravel both the wedding and her budding career, Aragos proves he’ll fight for more than tradition—he’ll fight for her.
My Big Fat Orc Wedding is a full-length cozy fantasy romance packed with stringed serenades, too much ale, a found orc family, one very grumpy orc, a sunshiney bard, and the (maybe) wedding of the century.
Welcome to Starling Vale, where your favorite Hallmark Channel movies meet World of Warcraft—with a heavy dose of spice.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
34 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 7, 2025
I loved this. The accidental engagement was well crafted, and their fake relationships blossomed nicely into the real deal. I liked the touches of drama from orc family members trying to cause trouble and how the MMC defends his bride to be. They complimented each other well with their opposites attract vibe, and the ending was charmingly sweet. Highly recommend for a cosy small town romance vibe with a orc human pairing, some spice, and a slow burn love.
June 7, 2025
*I received this eARC for free in exchange for my honest review.*
I really enjoyed this little novel! the relationship between Lyra and Aragos was very interesting to watch this fake-dating situation turn into something more. The plot moved pretty quickly since it was a shorter novel (less than 200 pages), however, I would've enjoyed reading a longer version of this with more time to move the plot along. I did still like this book a lot and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
I really enjoyed this little novel! the relationship between Lyra and Aragos was very interesting to watch this fake-dating situation turn into something more. The plot moved pretty quickly since it was a shorter novel (less than 200 pages), however, I would've enjoyed reading a longer version of this with more time to move the plot along. I did still like this book a lot and look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
June 5, 2025
So so good! I read it in one sitting!
I love a good accidental engagement/ marriage trope. And no third act breakup?!! 🤩🥰
So amazing. I can’t wait for the next book
I love a good accidental engagement/ marriage trope. And no third act breakup?!! 🤩🥰
So amazing. I can’t wait for the next book
August 29, 2025
Finally a monster romance with more plot and story line with a smidge of spice. This was a perfect balance in my opinion and it truly deserves to be given 5⭐
I absolutely adored Lyra's character and I think she was given a very strong lead. She would stand up for herself against anyone who shit talked her and that was lovely to see. She's an amazing singer and women who wants to make a name for herself as a travelling bard when a tragic event unfolded for her, which causes her to go back to her hometown and give up her dreams as a travelling bard. Then a group of orcs walk into her aunts tavern and her life was changed.
Aragos is the sweetest orc I've ever read about, he's not like any of the other orcs that live in his town, Swiftshire, where every orc is trained to be a ruthless warrior, but Aragos is busy following his dreams in being a brewmaster making incredible beers to sell through other towns. I feel like the accidental engagement for both Aragos and Lyra was the best thing to ever happen to them. They bring out the best in each other and it was so sweet to see how they instinctly help each other out whenever the other is in trouble.
This book was such an easy read and it's really helping me get out of my terrible reading slump, and I know that I will eat up a good monster romance book everytime. This will never get old.
I absolutely adored Lyra's character and I think she was given a very strong lead. She would stand up for herself against anyone who shit talked her and that was lovely to see. She's an amazing singer and women who wants to make a name for herself as a travelling bard when a tragic event unfolded for her, which causes her to go back to her hometown and give up her dreams as a travelling bard. Then a group of orcs walk into her aunts tavern and her life was changed.
Aragos is the sweetest orc I've ever read about, he's not like any of the other orcs that live in his town, Swiftshire, where every orc is trained to be a ruthless warrior, but Aragos is busy following his dreams in being a brewmaster making incredible beers to sell through other towns. I feel like the accidental engagement for both Aragos and Lyra was the best thing to ever happen to them. They bring out the best in each other and it was so sweet to see how they instinctly help each other out whenever the other is in trouble.
This book was such an easy read and it's really helping me get out of my terrible reading slump, and I know that I will eat up a good monster romance book everytime. This will never get old.
June 21, 2025
Lyra has returned home and is working in her family’s tavern after failing to set out as a traveling bard.
Still determined to make it big as a bard, one evening she performs at her family’s tavern, when a group of orcs come in, with one of them never smiling, even while she’s performing.
Determined to make him smile, she sings some orcish, not realizing she just recited the Orc’s Love Vow and is now shackled to said orc.
This is a sweet read, entertaining and intense haha! Lyra makes this unbreakable vow without realizing and she could die if she’s not careful with her choice of words or actions because these orcs take the vow very seriously.
It is entertaining, to say the least. Lyra definitely keeps the orcs on their toes with her love of music and being human. I love how she stands up for herself despite being nervous or scared.
The romance is fast, sweet and steamy 🥵 They do fall for each other rather quickly, but it’s still a sweet read and they both grow through the story and Aragos’ family becomes Lyra’s family, I loved his family…for the most part 😆
If you enjoy monster romances, give this one a shot!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Still determined to make it big as a bard, one evening she performs at her family’s tavern, when a group of orcs come in, with one of them never smiling, even while she’s performing.
Determined to make him smile, she sings some orcish, not realizing she just recited the Orc’s Love Vow and is now shackled to said orc.
This is a sweet read, entertaining and intense haha! Lyra makes this unbreakable vow without realizing and she could die if she’s not careful with her choice of words or actions because these orcs take the vow very seriously.
It is entertaining, to say the least. Lyra definitely keeps the orcs on their toes with her love of music and being human. I love how she stands up for herself despite being nervous or scared.
The romance is fast, sweet and steamy 🥵 They do fall for each other rather quickly, but it’s still a sweet read and they both grow through the story and Aragos’ family becomes Lyra’s family, I loved his family…for the most part 😆
If you enjoy monster romances, give this one a shot!
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
My _plan_ was to start this book yesterday and finish it sometime next week. But the characters had plans of their own and kidnapped me. I couldn’t put this book down. As I got into the finale, I was squealing and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Lyra is a perfect protagonist because she’s full of fire but just as equally full of doubts. Aragos, an orc turned brewer despite the patriarch of his family’s protests, is a hulking marshmallow who contains an inner coal just waiting for the right spark.
Yep, it works just as well as you’re imagining if not better.
What I love is how important orc culture is to both the conflict and resolution to this story. It isn’t something just thrown in but it woven throughout the narrative and it plays off the characters’ strengths and flaws amazingly well.
The romance really feels genuine because at first you’re totally understanding why a fake marriage is necessary but as the characters really start to open up to each other, you start to ask…this doesn’t have to be fake, does it?
I will absolutely look forward to devouring anymore books in this world!
My _plan_ was to start this book yesterday and finish it sometime next week. But the characters had plans of their own and kidnapped me. I couldn’t put this book down. As I got into the finale, I was squealing and couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
Lyra is a perfect protagonist because she’s full of fire but just as equally full of doubts. Aragos, an orc turned brewer despite the patriarch of his family’s protests, is a hulking marshmallow who contains an inner coal just waiting for the right spark.
Yep, it works just as well as you’re imagining if not better.
What I love is how important orc culture is to both the conflict and resolution to this story. It isn’t something just thrown in but it woven throughout the narrative and it plays off the characters’ strengths and flaws amazingly well.
The romance really feels genuine because at first you’re totally understanding why a fake marriage is necessary but as the characters really start to open up to each other, you start to ask…this doesn’t have to be fake, does it?
I will absolutely look forward to devouring anymore books in this world!
June 6, 2025
‘My Big Fat Orc Wedding’ is an extra spicy version of cozy small town Orc romance. Author Lucy Ross Edwards delivers a well written, creative love story that weaves in just the right amount of angst and open door spice. Aragos and Lyra start out in an ‘oopsies’ relationship, have a few Orcs determined to end any possibility of happiness, and have to overcome their own self doubts. Happily Ever After doesn’t always come easy—this cozy has a few speed bumps along the way.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
* Aragos
FMC:
* Lyra
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Starling Vale Book 1
Epilogue:
* Yes
Tropes:
* Small town romance
* Orc x human romance
* Fake engagement
* Found family
* He falls first
* Only one bed
* Touch her and die
* Opposites attract
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Violence
* Discrimination
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
* Aragos
FMC:
* Lyra
HEA/Cliffhanger:
* HEA
Series:
* Starling Vale Book 1
Epilogue:
* Yes
Tropes:
* Small town romance
* Orc x human romance
* Fake engagement
* Found family
* He falls first
* Only one bed
* Touch her and die
* Opposites attract
* MF
Triggers:
* 18+
* Sex
* Violence
* Discrimination
Burn Speed:
* Slow
Spice Level:
* 🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 10, 2025
Oh, this was one fun and entertaining book! From a disastrous yet equally hilarious first meeting to a swoon-worthy love declaration in the end, this book had me in its grip. I loved the characters: Aragos for his protectiveness, his gentlemanly manners, and his commitment to his passion over family expectations; Lyra for her daring, her loyalty, and determination to stand up for herself. The side characters were highly likeable too, and they added substance and color to the story with their unique personalities. All in all, the plot and characters were skillfully woven into one engrossing story that will make your reading time worth every minute.
I am grateful to the author for granting me a free review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
I am grateful to the author for granting me a free review copy of this book. I leave this review voluntarily.
June 12, 2025
This novel may have been intended to be a nod to the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", but the author did not limit herself to a mere nod. There are more than a few commonalities between this novel and the movie, such as the big boisterous tradition-bound family (of the groom, rather than of the bride), the groom's attempts to make his own way in life and the over-the-top traditional wedding itself. The mishaps and misunderstandings (helped along by the most unlikable member of the groom's family) just follow and make for fun times. If you liked "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", you will like this book.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2025
Such a fun, cozy, delightful romance. When Lyra, a bard, accidentally swears an unbreakable vow of love to the hot orc that walked into her aunt's pub, they have to figure out how to break the fake engagement without Aragos's a-hole cousin killing her for dishonoring orcish traditions.
Despite their initial annoyances with each other and the troubles Lyra has with acclimating to orcish culture, Lyra and Aragos grow closer and closer to each other and soon enough, breaking the engagement sounds like a worse and worse idea.
If you love orc romances, fake engagements, and grand gestures give this story a chance!
Despite their initial annoyances with each other and the troubles Lyra has with acclimating to orcish culture, Lyra and Aragos grow closer and closer to each other and soon enough, breaking the engagement sounds like a worse and worse idea.
If you love orc romances, fake engagements, and grand gestures give this story a chance!
June 9, 2025
Lyra doesn’t even know what’s she is getting herself into with speaking or really singing an orc phrase without really knowing the language. Thank heavens for Aragos and his kind heart.
These two have an unbelievable start to a binding vow of marriage. They just met and already she gets to go meet his family lol. Which love her as the book goes on. There are definitely some large orc size bumps in their flower story thanks to Grothar. That orc I’m happy to see what he got. There is grumpy and there is just pla n mean.
These two have an unbelievable start to a binding vow of marriage. They just met and already she gets to go meet his family lol. Which love her as the book goes on. There are definitely some large orc size bumps in their flower story thanks to Grothar. That orc I’m happy to see what he got. There is grumpy and there is just pla n mean.
June 14, 2025
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This story was perfectly sweet and cozy. I fell in love with these two instantly! How their dynamic changed and how he treated her made me swoon. The way the author described the differences between the two made it feel like I was in their world! The side characters were so fun too and the spice was so romantic!
Thank you to the author for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
This story was perfectly sweet and cozy. I fell in love with these two instantly! How their dynamic changed and how he treated her made me swoon. The way the author described the differences between the two made it feel like I was in their world! The side characters were so fun too and the spice was so romantic!
Thank you to the author for the ARC
June 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ This was such a fun book! The story wastes no time jumping in to the fake engagement. It’s a nice slow burn even though it’s a quick read! The spice feels well earned as Lyra and Aragos’ relationship blossoms.
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
One bed
Fake engagement
Trauma healing
Monster romance
Slow burn
Found family
Opposites attract
Favorite Quote:
“It’s a wedding dress, it’s not supposed to be like armor.” “And, still, you’d stop a thousand warriors with it.”
Tropes:
Grumpy/Sunshine
One bed
Fake engagement
Trauma healing
Monster romance
Slow burn
Found family
Opposites attract
Favorite Quote:
“It’s a wedding dress, it’s not supposed to be like armor.” “And, still, you’d stop a thousand warriors with it.”
June 26, 2025
Cozy spice perfection
I loved this world, characters, the family, friends, orc customs, and the sweet building of love between the two main characters. I look forward the checking out more from this author.
Would definitely recommend.
Forced proximity
One bed
Spicy/steamy, 18+
I loved this world, characters, the family, friends, orc customs, and the sweet building of love between the two main characters. I look forward the checking out more from this author.
Would definitely recommend.
Forced proximity
One bed
Spicy/steamy, 18+
August 10, 2025
I have got to stop reading books on Kindle Unlimited based on funny title alone.
But how could I possibly scroll by this title and not give it a try?
It was fine I guess. I'm just not that into orcs and I didn't know anyone else was. Takes all kinds I suppose.
But how could I possibly scroll by this title and not give it a try?
It was fine I guess. I'm just not that into orcs and I didn't know anyone else was. Takes all kinds I suppose.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews