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Just A Small Town Orc
Thrakh, Maplewicket's own golden citizen and respected baseball coach, is thrown into chaos when he recognizes a player's curvy-as-sin aunt as his fated mate.
Stevie doesn't know what to make of the incredibly handsome, yet equally confusing orc who insulted her before asking her out on a date.
With the help of the town during their renowned Halloween festivities, Thrakh pulls out all the stops to woo Stevie, but can he convince his mate that just a small town orc can love and care for her like she deserves?
Stevie doesn't know what to make of the incredibly handsome, yet equally confusing orc who insulted her before asking her out on a date.
With the help of the town during their renowned Halloween festivities, Thrakh pulls out all the stops to woo Stevie, but can he convince his mate that just a small town orc can love and care for her like she deserves?
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
10 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 22, 2025
perfect little halloween orc romance! i loved thrak and stevie. this had the best mix of swoon worthy romance and entertaining plot. it was a super fun read and i’m really starting to love orcs more and more! sweet, cozy and cheesy in the best of ways. thank you for the arc, bevin!
October 15, 2025
I absolutely LOVED this book!
It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
You get this feisty yet a little bit of a hot mess FMC… she a total sweetheart and honestly so totally relatable!
Then insert this tall glass of Orc… that not only is a community favorite for all the coaching he does but also an absolute teddy bear for his mate.
These two have such incredible chemistry and their banter is AMAZING!
This book had me laughing one minute and then fanning myself the next… cause these two are HOT!
That raw and primal hunger of being mates… and then add in these traditions that Orcs have… and there’s knotting… which is always HOT!
Even the side characters were so entertaining!
Seriously I want more of this little town!
It’s the perfect blend of sweet and spicy!
You get this feisty yet a little bit of a hot mess FMC… she a total sweetheart and honestly so totally relatable!
Then insert this tall glass of Orc… that not only is a community favorite for all the coaching he does but also an absolute teddy bear for his mate.
These two have such incredible chemistry and their banter is AMAZING!
This book had me laughing one minute and then fanning myself the next… cause these two are HOT!
That raw and primal hunger of being mates… and then add in these traditions that Orcs have… and there’s knotting… which is always HOT!
Even the side characters were so entertaining!
Seriously I want more of this little town!
October 27, 2025
This is an absolutely adorable story!
Thrakh is a well known and respected member of Maplewicket's society, but he is thrown a curveball when driving one of his baseball players home from practice ends with him recognizing the player's aunt as his fated mate. Plus, he doesn't recognize her until after he's berated her for missing the end of practice. Stevie was supposed to watch her niblings for a weekend, but now she is stuck in town until her sister and brother-in-law can get back from Alaska. She doesn't know what to do with the orc who was chastising her one day and asks her out the next. In the midst of the town's Halloween festivities, Thrakh pulls out all the stops to woo Stevie, but his instincts are screaming at him and he's afraid that his human mate just won't understand.
Thrakh is absolutely adorable. I think it's hilarious that his first interaction with Stevie is yelling at her for not picking up her nibling from baseball practice. But then he does everything he can to make up for that. Stevie was so much fun, but I could definitely relate to how she felt like her life was a mess. I loved how Thrakh didn't just make big gestures, but also listened to Stevie and helped her with some of the smaller things. It seemed like he was determined to show Stevie that she deserved to be loved and cared for even when she didn't have everything perfectly together. It was so sweet and the side characters were absolutely hilarious. I loved the little half vampire niblings - especially the emo teenager. If you're looking for a quick, cute, and spicy read for spooky season, you should definitely give this one a try!
Thrakh is a well known and respected member of Maplewicket's society, but he is thrown a curveball when driving one of his baseball players home from practice ends with him recognizing the player's aunt as his fated mate. Plus, he doesn't recognize her until after he's berated her for missing the end of practice. Stevie was supposed to watch her niblings for a weekend, but now she is stuck in town until her sister and brother-in-law can get back from Alaska. She doesn't know what to do with the orc who was chastising her one day and asks her out the next. In the midst of the town's Halloween festivities, Thrakh pulls out all the stops to woo Stevie, but his instincts are screaming at him and he's afraid that his human mate just won't understand.
Thrakh is absolutely adorable. I think it's hilarious that his first interaction with Stevie is yelling at her for not picking up her nibling from baseball practice. But then he does everything he can to make up for that. Stevie was so much fun, but I could definitely relate to how she felt like her life was a mess. I loved how Thrakh didn't just make big gestures, but also listened to Stevie and helped her with some of the smaller things. It seemed like he was determined to show Stevie that she deserved to be loved and cared for even when she didn't have everything perfectly together. It was so sweet and the side characters were absolutely hilarious. I loved the little half vampire niblings - especially the emo teenager. If you're looking for a quick, cute, and spicy read for spooky season, you should definitely give this one a try!
November 12, 2025
for those of you who are curious, YES I think I hummed the song in part through almost the whole time I read it. Also though every chapter has a cute little title and that had me humming other things or just laughing. So there's a peak for you.
So our gal here is the bestest sister on Earth. Why? Because she agreed to watch her nibblings while sis and BIL had to take care of other family drama. Except ope, something happened and now they can't get back home...for a while. So Stevie STEPS UP. But taking care of two half vamp kiddos isn't easy. Nope nuh uh.
Enter our fella, Thrakh who comes in and is very protective of kids he thinks aren't getting proper care. Midway through, rightly, being read the riot act by Stevie he smells it...MATE.
I need a Thrakh in my life. After realizing he over reacted he does an, almost, immediate 180 and becomes sweet, supportive and if those didn't already qualify it down right sexy. Basically everything Stevie needs, and doesn't know it yet. The kind of guy where you joke about doing something and you get the text saying, "done." and you're left there like wut? Also he's trying to ease her into things with her being human and not knowing about Orc culture.
Add to all this Stevie's ride or die BFF, some growling, and a cat Cafe. Who could ask for more? Also this is another great quick read for October (really anytime of the year but it takes place during Halloween build up so it's great for the season!) So if you just want a swift booster to fill your vitamin Orc deficiency pick up this beauty right here!
So our gal here is the bestest sister on Earth. Why? Because she agreed to watch her nibblings while sis and BIL had to take care of other family drama. Except ope, something happened and now they can't get back home...for a while. So Stevie STEPS UP. But taking care of two half vamp kiddos isn't easy. Nope nuh uh.
Enter our fella, Thrakh who comes in and is very protective of kids he thinks aren't getting proper care. Midway through, rightly, being read the riot act by Stevie he smells it...MATE.
I need a Thrakh in my life. After realizing he over reacted he does an, almost, immediate 180 and becomes sweet, supportive and if those didn't already qualify it down right sexy. Basically everything Stevie needs, and doesn't know it yet. The kind of guy where you joke about doing something and you get the text saying, "done." and you're left there like wut? Also he's trying to ease her into things with her being human and not knowing about Orc culture.
Add to all this Stevie's ride or die BFF, some growling, and a cat Cafe. Who could ask for more? Also this is another great quick read for October (really anytime of the year but it takes place during Halloween build up so it's great for the season!) So if you just want a swift booster to fill your vitamin Orc deficiency pick up this beauty right here!
November 14, 2025
Thrakh is a baseball coach in small town Mapelwicket, home to many different types of paranormal people, including orcs like himself. When he encounters Stevie, a human and aunt to one of his players he realises, after telling her off for not picking the kid up on time, that she is his mate. How will he make it up to her and convince her that they are meant to be together?
I liked Thrakh from the start and Stevie is adorable! You root for them from the start. You will also fall in love with Stevie’s best friend Briar and her pack of wolf shifters! This is a cozy, cute and fun read, making you want to move to Maplewicket, make friends with the locals and indulge in a sugary sweet autumnal snack. The writing is easy to get into and though it focuses on the characters, you get a real feel for the town, it’s vibe and its traditions, even if this is a novella. Everything is very well fleshed out and engaging.
The story is set during the fall season and I loved seeing the traditions of Maplewicket. Baseball played in the crisp autumnal air, haunted corn mazes and a haunted house for all the town to enjoy. It added to the atmosphere of the story and the cosy vibes! Be warned that this book gets spicy, but in the best kind of way!
Perfect for readers looking for a quick, cozy autumnal read with friendly monsters set in a cute town. This is a Hallmark fall movie but with paranormal creatures.
I liked Thrakh from the start and Stevie is adorable! You root for them from the start. You will also fall in love with Stevie’s best friend Briar and her pack of wolf shifters! This is a cozy, cute and fun read, making you want to move to Maplewicket, make friends with the locals and indulge in a sugary sweet autumnal snack. The writing is easy to get into and though it focuses on the characters, you get a real feel for the town, it’s vibe and its traditions, even if this is a novella. Everything is very well fleshed out and engaging.
The story is set during the fall season and I loved seeing the traditions of Maplewicket. Baseball played in the crisp autumnal air, haunted corn mazes and a haunted house for all the town to enjoy. It added to the atmosphere of the story and the cosy vibes! Be warned that this book gets spicy, but in the best kind of way!
Perfect for readers looking for a quick, cozy autumnal read with friendly monsters set in a cute town. This is a Hallmark fall movie but with paranormal creatures.
October 16, 2025
Cute, cozy and SPICY read!
I really liked this book and even think it could be expanded on if the author wanted to. The town and some of the supporting monster characters are just GREAT and I could read about them all day! The portrayal of Stevie’s half vampire niece and nephew are SO GOOD and her bestie Blair (and her pack.. um hello Grandma?!) are so interesting!
Of course the male and female leads are crafted to perfection in the book - which is a staple of the Bevin books I have read. We have a curvy adhd girlie and a big ol dominant athletic orc …. Yum to both! And when a man — erm orc - works to get his woman it’s just so good to read. He’s so thoughtful and the possessiveness is such a sexy trait that I love it so much. The pinnacle scene where they finally do the deed is SO HOT 🥵 also literally. But I can just imagine it being perfect in real life and those are the best scenes for me in monster romance - where it seems plausible and makes you want to insert yourself right in. Green equipment or not, it feels like it could happen.
Highly recommend 10/10 - great little Halloween 🎃 romance!
I really liked this book and even think it could be expanded on if the author wanted to. The town and some of the supporting monster characters are just GREAT and I could read about them all day! The portrayal of Stevie’s half vampire niece and nephew are SO GOOD and her bestie Blair (and her pack.. um hello Grandma?!) are so interesting!
Of course the male and female leads are crafted to perfection in the book - which is a staple of the Bevin books I have read. We have a curvy adhd girlie and a big ol dominant athletic orc …. Yum to both! And when a man — erm orc - works to get his woman it’s just so good to read. He’s so thoughtful and the possessiveness is such a sexy trait that I love it so much. The pinnacle scene where they finally do the deed is SO HOT 🥵 also literally. But I can just imagine it being perfect in real life and those are the best scenes for me in monster romance - where it seems plausible and makes you want to insert yourself right in. Green equipment or not, it feels like it could happen.
Highly recommend 10/10 - great little Halloween 🎃 romance!
October 15, 2025
4.5⭐️ rounded up
I received this novella as an ARC, and what a perfectly spicy, Halloween-time treat. Cozy autumn vibes, small-town charm, and one incredibly sweet, incredibly hot orc? Yes, please.
I’m always a sucker for an orc romance, but Thrakh really stole my heart. He’s this mix of protective mate energy and total softie, trying so hard not to overwhelm Stevie even as he’s completely obsessed with her. I loved watching them go from yelling at each other to realizing fate had other plans. The spice? Full-on 'fan yourself and open a window' territory. That epilogue scene… absolutely feral.
And can we talk about Maplewicket? The Halloween festivities, the cozy small-town vibe, the sense of community — it all added this warm, magical touch to the story. It felt like the kind of place I’d want to visit (or maybe move to… if orcs are included).
If you’re looking for a quick, fiery, small-town Halloween romance with humor, heat, and one very determined orc, Just a Small Town Orc delivers. Honestly, I’d read an entire series set in this world.
I received this novella as an ARC, and what a perfectly spicy, Halloween-time treat. Cozy autumn vibes, small-town charm, and one incredibly sweet, incredibly hot orc? Yes, please.
I’m always a sucker for an orc romance, but Thrakh really stole my heart. He’s this mix of protective mate energy and total softie, trying so hard not to overwhelm Stevie even as he’s completely obsessed with her. I loved watching them go from yelling at each other to realizing fate had other plans. The spice? Full-on 'fan yourself and open a window' territory. That epilogue scene… absolutely feral.
And can we talk about Maplewicket? The Halloween festivities, the cozy small-town vibe, the sense of community — it all added this warm, magical touch to the story. It felt like the kind of place I’d want to visit (or maybe move to… if orcs are included).
If you’re looking for a quick, fiery, small-town Halloween romance with humor, heat, and one very determined orc, Just a Small Town Orc delivers. Honestly, I’d read an entire series set in this world.
November 17, 2025
Boy, who doesn't love a possessive man who goes a little feral sometimes? That scene with Jeb 🫠 perfect burn-the-world-for-her vibes and I loved it!
Stevie is so much nicer than me, though. Some idiot talks like that to me the first time we meet and my forgiveness would be a very long time coming and would include copious amounts of begging and groveling before I'd even consider it. So Thrakh is a very lucky half-orc, indeed. They were very cute together once he got his tusked head out of his ass
I'm obsessed with Briar and her family! I really need to know more about Sofia and why the whole town is acceptably scared of her 😂 and Briar is so much fun to read. I need a best friend exactly like her
This was my first Bevin Shea book, and I'm happy to say it definitely won't be my last!
Stevie is so much nicer than me, though. Some idiot talks like that to me the first time we meet and my forgiveness would be a very long time coming and would include copious amounts of begging and groveling before I'd even consider it. So Thrakh is a very lucky half-orc, indeed. They were very cute together once he got his tusked head out of his ass
I'm obsessed with Briar and her family! I really need to know more about Sofia and why the whole town is acceptably scared of her 😂 and Briar is so much fun to read. I need a best friend exactly like her
This was my first Bevin Shea book, and I'm happy to say it definitely won't be my last!
October 15, 2025
After coaching baseball practice one evening, one of Thrakh's players is left at the field when his aunt is MIA at pickup time. After driving his player home, Thrakh unloads on the aunt he perceives as irresponsible, only to realize she's his mate. Well, shit. With such an auspicious start, will these two find their way together? There's only one way to find out.
I will tell you that you can expect some hand necklaces, temperature play, in the car action, and some good groveling along the way!
I will tell you that you can expect some hand necklaces, temperature play, in the car action, and some good groveling along the way!
October 18, 2025
This is the first book I have read from this author and it definitely wont be the last <3 This was a quick and fun, cosy Halloween read. Its was the perfect little blend of sweet and spicy. It was such a fun little read and I loved Stevie and Thrakh, the banter and tension between them was chefs kiss. And we love a consent King. I would definitely read more about the other characters from this little town, it was such a good read. So if you're looking for a quick and spicy read this Halloween and looking for some Orcish fun, I definitely recommend picking up this <3
October 17, 2025
I am obsessed with Stevie and Thrakh. The very millennial coded language and references, the spicy scenes, the fat character rep, the mating “ritual”
I loved Briar so much too! She’s a total hoot or should I say howl!
I can imagine how difficult it was to keep this at novella length, like said in the authors note, because these characters deserve a full length novel! I’m so in love with this story! Definitely in my top 10 reads of the year no questions
October 20, 2025
⭐4.25 🌶️3/5
This is a good smutty romance novella!! It's a perfect story for October, full of cozy autumn vibes and a touch of Halloween spirit.
Being a novella, the romance develops quickly but I think the pacing is just right. Although it's more about insta-lust than insta-love, they fall in love little by little, with plenty of time left to deepen their feelings.
I found Stevie to be a genuine and relatable character, which made me like her right away. And Thrakh is attentive and obsessed with Stevie from the very first moment and we love a self-aware man— orc.
Plus, it has a strong female friendship, which is one of my favorite things in Bevin’s books.
This is a good smutty romance novella!! It's a perfect story for October, full of cozy autumn vibes and a touch of Halloween spirit.
Being a novella, the romance develops quickly but I think the pacing is just right. Although it's more about insta-lust than insta-love, they fall in love little by little, with plenty of time left to deepen their feelings.
I found Stevie to be a genuine and relatable character, which made me like her right away. And Thrakh is attentive and obsessed with Stevie from the very first moment and we love a self-aware man— orc.
Plus, it has a strong female friendship, which is one of my favorite things in Bevin’s books.
October 14, 2025
What a fun fall read from Bevin, whose other work I’ve also loved. I got to read an arc of this novella, finished it one sitting and was left wishing this was another series from her to follow along with.
Enjoy this if you’re a paranormal romance fan, and definitely if you’re looking for a new author to dig into.
Enjoy this if you’re a paranormal romance fan, and definitely if you’re looking for a new author to dig into.
October 18, 2025
Short and sweet and spicy, a quick and easy read. I paced myself on purpose but could have easily read this in one sitting.
I loved Thrakh and Stevie's story. My only issue was the lack of a backstory for both of them. I'd love to see these two fools again if there are more Maplewicket books.
With thanks to the author for the ARC.
I loved Thrakh and Stevie's story. My only issue was the lack of a backstory for both of them. I'd love to see these two fools again if there are more Maplewicket books.
With thanks to the author for the ARC.
October 22, 2025
Writing this while packing my bags to move to Maplewicket! I fell in love more and more with each page turn! Thrakh's protective ways warmed my heart! While he meant well, he majorly messed up his first meeting with Stevie, his absolutely perfect mate!
I couldnt put this book down and hoping we get more Maplewicket books soon!
Fun, Steamy, Sweet Halloween Romance!
I couldnt put this book down and hoping we get more Maplewicket books soon!
Fun, Steamy, Sweet Halloween Romance!
October 15, 2025
This was such a fun read. I love small town monster romances, it’s always just so cozy. Orcs are one of my favorites to read about and this book did not disappoint. Thrakh was the perfect combination of sweet and possessive. I really enjoyed this book!
October 15, 2025
ORC Review
This was so cute and that spice! Yes! Perfect novella for the season! We all need an Orc in our lives.
Pick this up on 10/21/25 with a latte and apple cider donut!
Plus size, adhd rep, temperature play, small town
This was so cute and that spice! Yes! Perfect novella for the season! We all need an Orc in our lives.
Pick this up on 10/21/25 with a latte and apple cider donut!
Plus size, adhd rep, temperature play, small town
October 16, 2025
**Thank you to the Author for the ARC; all opinions are my own.**
4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶
This was a very hot, cozy Halloween, monster romance!!! I honestly wish there was more because I really liked all the characters and the little town 😭
☆mates
☆half-orc x human
☆knotting
☆mask play
4.25 ⭐️
3 🌶
This was a very hot, cozy Halloween, monster romance!!! I honestly wish there was more because I really liked all the characters and the little town 😭
☆mates
☆half-orc x human
☆knotting
☆mask play
October 18, 2025
This was SOOOO cute! Short and sweet from chapter one when he smells his mate and it’s really all down hill from there. Human x orc and the spice is just amazing! Ugh why can’t I have a man want to worship me??
October 30, 2025
I had an ARC of this novella and it was a fun quick read. I liked that the author did a great job of establishing the town and a few local characters to make it feel fully fleshed out in a very short time. Definitely a fun, quick, spicy, spooky season read.
October 21, 2025
I would like to thank the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was quick and enjoyable.
This was quick and enjoyable.
October 24, 2025
so good
October 25, 2025
I love everything Bevin writes, I’ll be here always for every word she has to say. 🥰
December 1, 2025
absolutely adored the sexy, silly orc romance.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews