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Elderberry Falls #1
The Orc and the Innkeeper: Elderberry Falls, Book 1
A spunky human innkeeper drowning in magical pests, a brooding orc brewmaster, and the fake engagement that could save them both.
I've poured my heart and soul into reviving my aunt's inn after her passing, but a pixie dust mite infestation threatens to destroy everything. Their glittery trails of destruction have infiltrated the guest rooms, and the cost to eradicate them will leave me penniless.
I'm desperate for a solution.
Enter Thorak Ironfist, the orc who once tormented me in high school. Now a wealthy brewmaster, he's determined to expand his ale empire into the human realm. But prejudice stands in his way. When a potential investor mistakes him for the muscle instead of the brains, Thorak blurts out that his human "fiancée" handles the business side of things.
Fate intervenes when I overhear his fib.
I seize the opportunity and strike a I'll play the part of his devoted human partner if he financially aids me in banishing the pests.
What could possibly go wrong?
I've poured my heart and soul into reviving my aunt's inn after her passing, but a pixie dust mite infestation threatens to destroy everything. Their glittery trails of destruction have infiltrated the guest rooms, and the cost to eradicate them will leave me penniless.
I'm desperate for a solution.
Enter Thorak Ironfist, the orc who once tormented me in high school. Now a wealthy brewmaster, he's determined to expand his ale empire into the human realm. But prejudice stands in his way. When a potential investor mistakes him for the muscle instead of the brains, Thorak blurts out that his human "fiancée" handles the business side of things.
Fate intervenes when I overhear his fib.
I seize the opportunity and strike a I'll play the part of his devoted human partner if he financially aids me in banishing the pests.
What could possibly go wrong?
Audible Audio
First published July 12, 2024
1850 people are currently reading
3101 people want to read
About the author
Cora Crane
3 books148 followersHi there! I'm Cora, a debut sweet monster romance writer (THE ORC AND THE INNKEEPER available now!). My childhood was spent with my nose endlessly tucked into a book, usually a high fantasy of some sort or another. So perhaps it's not a surprise that I'm now spending my days dreaming up cozy fantasy towns and magical monsters!
When I'm not working on my next story, you can usually find me with a coffee in hand, either in a big mug while I re-read my favorite fantasy books for the millionth time, or in my trusty to-go mug as I go for a walk (preferably near water!)
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I love writing them.
Sign up for my newsletter for behind the scenes exclusives, early access to new books, and more! http://subscribepage.io/cora
Other places to find me:
Follow me on Instagram: @coracraneauthor or on TikTok: @cora_crane
Visit my website: www.coracraneauthor.com
When I'm not working on my next story, you can usually find me with a coffee in hand, either in a big mug while I re-read my favorite fantasy books for the millionth time, or in my trusty to-go mug as I go for a walk (preferably near water!)
Thank you for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy my stories as much as I love writing them.
Sign up for my newsletter for behind the scenes exclusives, early access to new books, and more! http://subscribepage.io/cora
Other places to find me:
Follow me on Instagram: @coracraneauthor or on TikTok: @cora_crane
Visit my website: www.coracraneauthor.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 855 reviews
August 10, 2024
It felt like 20% of this book was missing. Not the spicy parts those were definitely still there, but the parts that made me actually care about these people totally was accidentally deleted.
It was cozy but not really good.
It was cozy but not really good.
September 25, 2024
Okay, so no, I didn't like this.
Unearned Bully Romance:
This is a bully romance where the MMC was viciously cruel to the FMC in high school-- he ruthlessly targeted her, intentionally made her cry, brought her pain and destruction to her property, and caused other kids to start picking on her too. Some of it she reflects on, some scenes are fully played out in flashbacks.
He also DOESN'T apologize to her until he catches feelings and his friend asks -logically- if he ever apologized yet. This is sooooooooooo unsexy.
(He also magically has her super special family heirloom that someone else ground under their heel in high school, and he'd meticulously swept up all the pieces and put them back together. Mind you, he waits until he wants something from her -for her to trust that he's changed now and love/marry him- before he finally gives it back to her. Even though he could've anonymously mailed it or left it on her doorstep at ANY point in the last few years. It rings hollow and obnoxious imo.)
World-building Rant:
But I also really hate the lack of world-building here. This is the first book in the series and should better establish the universe. It seems like a standard D&D setting (inns and taverns and mead and orcs) but ALSO there are cars and phones and exterminator bills are 10-20k dollars???
There appears to be interspecies prejudice (his parents hate humans because of a recent war? the client he's after only wants to work with humans? sirens can't sing in the school choir?) but no weight nor history given to it. And sometimes they randomly decide to call orcs/non-humans "monsters." But "monsters" is really unclear on what it encapsulates-- are pixies and elves and sirens included? Because traditionally they wouldn't be.
It's giving Bright. 😬😬😬
Inn Management Rant:
The only concrete cost I'm given in this world is $10k for the baseline extermination bill on the pixie dust mites. Because the infestation is bad (even though it's literally <24hrs to take root) it jumps to $20k.
...is that high? 10,000 yen is only $71 USD. Idk the cost of things in this world. If a muffin is $100 then maybe $10k is not so much. Even just comparing pre and post covid prices in the real world is a huge inflation gap, so I literally have no sense to orient myself on if this bill is high or if the FMC is just bad at money/exaggerates things.
ALSO no one seems surprised that the pixie customers left pixie dust mites in their wake. Why would you have pixies stay in your inn if this is an expected outcome? Why would you not have insurance? Why would you not have a contract that they're responsible for paying for the cleanup of their stay? Why would you not have a separate room designed specifically for pixies that can expel the mites and keep them from taking root? Why would you keep the room costs so low that you can't afford the expected maintenance to clean up after your customers? IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.
And yet the book wants me to believe that she's a successful innkeeper and has been running this business for years and living as a human in the magical world since she was a child. She's a smart, competent adult with a head for business and enough spare time that she can abandon her inn to go talk up her bully's brewery to his potential client.
...but she can't afford to manage the expected outcome of some of her guests?
Adults Don't Actually Think About High School That Much:
These characters have really simplified thought processes and reactions. If you removed all the mentions of how hot they find each other and how he occasionally gets erections, this could be a children's book. But it also revolves around their school trauma so much and like... most adults I know stopped caring about high school the moment they left it.
The book makes you stay in it, though, with constant flashbacks and references to the bullying, as well as random appearances from former bullies (who are still just as childish as they ever were, save one token bully) and even a reunion where they can prove everyone wrong.
I think it's being marketed at adults because of the smut scenes? But it really just feels like a middlegrade to young YA....
+smut.
Unearned Bully Romance:
This is a bully romance where the MMC was viciously cruel to the FMC in high school-- he ruthlessly targeted her, intentionally made her cry, brought her pain and destruction to her property, and caused other kids to start picking on her too. Some of it she reflects on, some scenes are fully played out in flashbacks.
He also DOESN'T apologize to her until he catches feelings and his friend asks -logically- if he ever apologized yet. This is sooooooooooo unsexy.
(He also magically has her super special family heirloom that someone else ground under their heel in high school, and he'd meticulously swept up all the pieces and put them back together. Mind you, he waits until he wants something from her -for her to trust that he's changed now and love/marry him- before he finally gives it back to her. Even though he could've anonymously mailed it or left it on her doorstep at ANY point in the last few years. It rings hollow and obnoxious imo.)
World-building Rant:
But I also really hate the lack of world-building here. This is the first book in the series and should better establish the universe. It seems like a standard D&D setting (inns and taverns and mead and orcs) but ALSO there are cars and phones and exterminator bills are 10-20k dollars???
There appears to be interspecies prejudice (his parents hate humans because of a recent war? the client he's after only wants to work with humans? sirens can't sing in the school choir?) but no weight nor history given to it. And sometimes they randomly decide to call orcs/non-humans "monsters." But "monsters" is really unclear on what it encapsulates-- are pixies and elves and sirens included? Because traditionally they wouldn't be.
It's giving Bright. 😬😬😬
Inn Management Rant:
The only concrete cost I'm given in this world is $10k for the baseline extermination bill on the pixie dust mites. Because the infestation is bad (even though it's literally <24hrs to take root) it jumps to $20k.
...is that high? 10,000 yen is only $71 USD. Idk the cost of things in this world. If a muffin is $100 then maybe $10k is not so much. Even just comparing pre and post covid prices in the real world is a huge inflation gap, so I literally have no sense to orient myself on if this bill is high or if the FMC is just bad at money/exaggerates things.
ALSO no one seems surprised that the pixie customers left pixie dust mites in their wake. Why would you have pixies stay in your inn if this is an expected outcome? Why would you not have insurance? Why would you not have a contract that they're responsible for paying for the cleanup of their stay? Why would you not have a separate room designed specifically for pixies that can expel the mites and keep them from taking root? Why would you keep the room costs so low that you can't afford the expected maintenance to clean up after your customers? IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.
And yet the book wants me to believe that she's a successful innkeeper and has been running this business for years and living as a human in the magical world since she was a child. She's a smart, competent adult with a head for business and enough spare time that she can abandon her inn to go talk up her bully's brewery to his potential client.
...but she can't afford to manage the expected outcome of some of her guests?
Adults Don't Actually Think About High School That Much:
These characters have really simplified thought processes and reactions. If you removed all the mentions of how hot they find each other and how he occasionally gets erections, this could be a children's book. But it also revolves around their school trauma so much and like... most adults I know stopped caring about high school the moment they left it.
The book makes you stay in it, though, with constant flashbacks and references to the bullying, as well as random appearances from former bullies (who are still just as childish as they ever were, save one token bully) and even a reunion where they can prove everyone wrong.
I think it's being marketed at adults because of the smut scenes? But it really just feels like a middlegrade to young YA....
+smut.
July 2, 2025
3.5/5 Highly predictable hot-orc-brain-candy-scars .
It's monster romance. A whole sub genre dedicated to women having to go outside their species to find a man to treat them like queens. It was good, but predictable and worth a brain candy read before I dove into something more serious.
*Kindle Unlimited
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - I skipped through at least 6 schmexy smutty scenes, and there's definitely some dirty fantasizing as well. Monster romance is meant to be big peens though, so I'm not sure you should expect anything else?
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🦋 || Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel coming soon!!
It's monster romance. A whole sub genre dedicated to women having to go outside their species to find a man to treat them like queens. It was good, but predictable and worth a brain candy read before I dove into something more serious.
*Kindle Unlimited
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - I skipped through at least 6 schmexy smutty scenes, and there's definitely some dirty fantasizing as well. Monster romance is meant to be big peens though, so I'm not sure you should expect anything else?
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🦋 || Southern Lady Reads YouTube channel coming soon!!
July 15, 2025
Fake dating AND monster kissing?
Say less!
This was right up my street and I hit that request button sooo fast.
It ended up being even cuter than I could have hoped for.
I mean, there's a cutie teacup boar named Snuffles.
Really what more could you ask for?
Much love to NetGalley & Tantor Audio for my ALC.
Say less!
This was right up my street and I hit that request button sooo fast.
It ended up being even cuter than I could have hoped for.
I mean, there's a cutie teacup boar named Snuffles.
Really what more could you ask for?
Much love to NetGalley & Tantor Audio for my ALC.
November 10, 2024
This was so cute! Just what I needed after reading predominantly dark romance/horror for the last month. Super cozy. Comforting. Fake Dating, enemies to lovers vibes. Very good. 100% recommend.
July 10, 2025
Fake fiancé to an enemy Orc!
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚🩶
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙃🙁😀😋
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
Mariah – The Human Protagonist at a Crossroads
Set in the enchanted town of Elderberry Falls, this story deftly blends whimsical world-building with social critique and emotional growth. Mariah, a human trying to save her inherited inn, is a sympathetic lead navigating not only magical pests (beware the glittering havoc of pixie dust mites) but also deep-seated prejudice. The town’s integrated population of magical beings is both a visual delight and a mirror for real-world issues of systemic discrimination.
Thorak – Orc Brewmaster with a Past
Thorak, by contrast, represents the duality of legacy and reinvention. A physically imposing and unexpectedly charismatic Orc, he has distanced himself from the traditionalist roots of his family’s brewing empire to build his own brand, Thorak’s Taproom. His entrepreneurial ambition to distribute to the human realm requires human partnership, a narrative mechanism that sets the stage for his reconnection with Mariah. His prior behavior—bullying Mariah in high school—introduces a redemptive arc grounded in accountability and emotional vulnerability. His earlier beliefs in species purity contrast sharply with his present actions, hinting at sincere ideological evolution.
Plot Dynamics – Confronting the Past through a Faux Future
When a debt-ridden innkeeper and her former high school bully—now a broody Orc brewmaster—fake an engagement to save their futures, tensions bubble over into something real.
What elevates this romance is its nuanced emotional layering. Thorak’s transformation is both believable and compelling, Meanwhile, his yearning for redemption is tempered by his self-awareness and guilt, creating layered emotional stakes for both characters. Mariah’s hesitation is grounded in lived experience, not romantic contrivance. The chemistry simmers thanks to forced proximity, emotional baggage, and the ever-present question: can someone truly change?
Thematic Insights – Prejudice, Perception, and Personal Growth
This narrative interrogates societal divisions between species as a metaphor for racial and cultural prejudice. The backlash against magical creatures in hospitality settings, and Thorak’s struggle with acceptance in human business spheres, mirror systemic inequalities. Additionally, both characters’ arcs revolve around dismantling preconceptions—of each other and of themselves. The past is not easily outrun, and the emotional payoff hinges not only on romantic fulfillment but on earned trust and the moral courage to change.
Audiobook Performance – Embodied Emotion through Voice
The audiobook is elevated by the dual narration of Rose Dioro and Jack Calihan. Calihan’s deep, raspy timbre complements Thorak’s physicality and emotional weight, while Dioro’s expressive delivery lends Mariah both warmth and fortitude. Their performances create a textured soundscape that enhances immersion and brings emotional authenticity to the characters’ internal dilemmas and shifting dynamics.
Final Thoughts
A sparkling example of fantasy romance that delivers more than just heat—it offers healing, forgiveness, and meaningful commentary wrapped in a charming, monster-filled package. Perfect for fans of character-driven plots, redemption arcs, and a pinch of pixie-fueled chaos.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 🖤💙❤️💚🩶
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘📔
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌏
Character development: 🙃🙁😀😋
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration
Mariah – The Human Protagonist at a Crossroads
Set in the enchanted town of Elderberry Falls, this story deftly blends whimsical world-building with social critique and emotional growth. Mariah, a human trying to save her inherited inn, is a sympathetic lead navigating not only magical pests (beware the glittering havoc of pixie dust mites) but also deep-seated prejudice. The town’s integrated population of magical beings is both a visual delight and a mirror for real-world issues of systemic discrimination.
Thorak – Orc Brewmaster with a Past
Thorak, by contrast, represents the duality of legacy and reinvention. A physically imposing and unexpectedly charismatic Orc, he has distanced himself from the traditionalist roots of his family’s brewing empire to build his own brand, Thorak’s Taproom. His entrepreneurial ambition to distribute to the human realm requires human partnership, a narrative mechanism that sets the stage for his reconnection with Mariah. His prior behavior—bullying Mariah in high school—introduces a redemptive arc grounded in accountability and emotional vulnerability. His earlier beliefs in species purity contrast sharply with his present actions, hinting at sincere ideological evolution.
Plot Dynamics – Confronting the Past through a Faux Future
When a debt-ridden innkeeper and her former high school bully—now a broody Orc brewmaster—fake an engagement to save their futures, tensions bubble over into something real.
What elevates this romance is its nuanced emotional layering. Thorak’s transformation is both believable and compelling, Meanwhile, his yearning for redemption is tempered by his self-awareness and guilt, creating layered emotional stakes for both characters. Mariah’s hesitation is grounded in lived experience, not romantic contrivance. The chemistry simmers thanks to forced proximity, emotional baggage, and the ever-present question: can someone truly change?
Thematic Insights – Prejudice, Perception, and Personal Growth
This narrative interrogates societal divisions between species as a metaphor for racial and cultural prejudice. The backlash against magical creatures in hospitality settings, and Thorak’s struggle with acceptance in human business spheres, mirror systemic inequalities. Additionally, both characters’ arcs revolve around dismantling preconceptions—of each other and of themselves. The past is not easily outrun, and the emotional payoff hinges not only on romantic fulfillment but on earned trust and the moral courage to change.
Audiobook Performance – Embodied Emotion through Voice
The audiobook is elevated by the dual narration of Rose Dioro and Jack Calihan. Calihan’s deep, raspy timbre complements Thorak’s physicality and emotional weight, while Dioro’s expressive delivery lends Mariah both warmth and fortitude. Their performances create a textured soundscape that enhances immersion and brings emotional authenticity to the characters’ internal dilemmas and shifting dynamics.
Final Thoughts
A sparkling example of fantasy romance that delivers more than just heat—it offers healing, forgiveness, and meaningful commentary wrapped in a charming, monster-filled package. Perfect for fans of character-driven plots, redemption arcs, and a pinch of pixie-fueled chaos.
Blog|Goodreads|Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|BookBub
June 24, 2025
ONE OF MY FIRST NETGALLEY ARCS LETS GOOOOO
------------------------------------------------
Sigh
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for giving me a chance to review this book. All thoughts are my own!
Overall Rating: 2/5
This book started out really well. I was vibing with the narration, the world-building was pretty simple, and the characters seemed to well written. But then when we got to it, the story just went down hill.
The story starts off as like a "fake dating" type of troupe which benefits Mariah as she has to deal with a "Pixie Mite" infestation and her "partner" Thorak needs her in order to convince a prejudice investor. I was sat for this plot but idk I felt like the author gave this story almost no substance. All the "fake dating" elements like being seen together in public and meeting the parents just seemed very minimal and forced....
Not to mention this is a bully romance as Thorak bullied Mariah in high school. And while I don't like bully romances the characters are pushing 30 YEARS OLD and Mariah is still bitter? I guess it makes sense but at your big age it's either time to move df on or get revenge like idk... her grudge seemed annoying to me.... especially when Thorak seems to have changed and was actually doing things to let her know he was remorseful...
Like bro why is this author making me type on my keyboard to defend a man?????? WHYYYYYYYY??????
And then we have a 3rd act break up... for what? Fuck if I know. Like for that very reason I don't believe that they would make a good couple tbh....
Overall this book was forgettable, didn't have good chemistry between the characters, and the worldbuilding didn't even have enough decency to be consistent. Romantasy ick tag this goes.
------------------------------------------------
Sigh
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for giving me a chance to review this book. All thoughts are my own!
Overall Rating: 2/5
This book started out really well. I was vibing with the narration, the world-building was pretty simple, and the characters seemed to well written. But then when we got to it, the story just went down hill.
The story starts off as like a "fake dating" type of troupe which benefits Mariah as she has to deal with a "Pixie Mite" infestation and her "partner" Thorak needs her in order to convince a prejudice investor. I was sat for this plot but idk I felt like the author gave this story almost no substance. All the "fake dating" elements like being seen together in public and meeting the parents just seemed very minimal and forced....
Not to mention this is a bully romance as Thorak bullied Mariah in high school. And while I don't like bully romances the characters are pushing 30 YEARS OLD and Mariah is still bitter? I guess it makes sense but at your big age it's either time to move df on or get revenge like idk... her grudge seemed annoying to me.... especially when Thorak seems to have changed and was actually doing things to let her know he was remorseful...
Like bro why is this author making me type on my keyboard to defend a man?????? WHYYYYYYYY??????
And then we have a 3rd act break up... for what? Fuck if I know. Like for that very reason I don't believe that they would make a good couple tbh....
Overall this book was forgettable, didn't have good chemistry between the characters, and the worldbuilding didn't even have enough decency to be consistent. Romantasy ick tag this goes.
June 24, 2025
The Orc and the Innkeeper by Cora Crane
Elderberry Falls series #1. Paranormal orc romance, fantasy romance. Fake relationship troupe.
Mariah inherited an inn in the magical town of Elderberry Falls. An infestation of glittering pixie dust mites and the cost of cleaning it up causes Mariah to agree to a fake engagement with orc Thorak Ironfost. He tormented her through their school years but they are adults now and he has the money to pay for the cleaning so a deal is struck.
For Thorak, their agreement is the perfect opportunity to apologize for the past and perhaps get to know Mariah, satisfying his long crush on her.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Jack Calihan and Rose Dioro. Both performed their POV chapters with the believable humor, sadness, lust and worry among other emotions. Both brought the characters to life and helped make the romance happy and a bit steamy.
I listened to this at a speed of 1.5 to more closely match my reading and conversation speed and noticed no production issues.
Magical pixie dust mites that need an exterminator. What a great imagination and setup.
Entertaining.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia.
Elderberry Falls series #1. Paranormal orc romance, fantasy romance. Fake relationship troupe.
Mariah inherited an inn in the magical town of Elderberry Falls. An infestation of glittering pixie dust mites and the cost of cleaning it up causes Mariah to agree to a fake engagement with orc Thorak Ironfost. He tormented her through their school years but they are adults now and he has the money to pay for the cleaning so a deal is struck.
For Thorak, their agreement is the perfect opportunity to apologize for the past and perhaps get to know Mariah, satisfying his long crush on her.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Jack Calihan and Rose Dioro. Both performed their POV chapters with the believable humor, sadness, lust and worry among other emotions. Both brought the characters to life and helped make the romance happy and a bit steamy.
I listened to this at a speed of 1.5 to more closely match my reading and conversation speed and noticed no production issues.
Magical pixie dust mites that need an exterminator. What a great imagination and setup.
Entertaining.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia.
June 22, 2025
3/10 stars. Oh boy… this was a rough one.
I love how the MMC was a relentless bully to the FMC when they were younger and expects to be forgiven for it but at the same time he broke up with his ex for not believing in his business venture and when she tried to reconcile with him later in the story he refused because he couldn’t be with someone who didn’t see his vision and people don’t change lol even when men are written by women, they still have nothing but audacity.
I love how the MMC was a relentless bully to the FMC when they were younger and expects to be forgiven for it but at the same time he broke up with his ex for not believing in his business venture and when she tried to reconcile with him later in the story he refused because he couldn’t be with someone who didn’t see his vision and people don’t change lol even when men are written by women, they still have nothing but audacity.
September 13, 2024
If Hallmark had a fantasy channel they would eat this shit up! A totally predictable yet cozy and enjoyable read. No stress, just vibes. Oh, and a ribbed orc penis.
August 9, 2024
Rozczarowanie. Da się czytać, ale szału nie ma. To po prostu zwykły romans, taki jakich wiele z tym, że główny bohater jest orkiem. Żadnej kreacji świata, który wygląda tak jak nasz współczesny, tylko posypany jest wróżkowym pyłkiem. Płaska, pośpieszna fabuła, stereotypowi bohaterowie. Strata czasu.
July 3, 2025
Such a cute and cozy book!
Are you looking for a short, sweet and steamy monster romance?
I loved our main characters, the romance was very sweet. The book had the perfect blend of plot and spice. I actually enjoyed the conflict in the book, it made sense for the plot and it was well handled/written! It didn't drag on like some books do. Excited to see more of the Elderberry Falls series!
The audiobook was well done I loved both the narrators. The pacing was great!
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the audio copy!
*all opinions are my own!*
Are you looking for a short, sweet and steamy monster romance?
I loved our main characters, the romance was very sweet. The book had the perfect blend of plot and spice. I actually enjoyed the conflict in the book, it made sense for the plot and it was well handled/written! It didn't drag on like some books do. Excited to see more of the Elderberry Falls series!
The audiobook was well done I loved both the narrators. The pacing was great!
Thank you Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the audio copy!
*all opinions are my own!*
June 28, 2025
Cozy Orc Romance
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This was such a sweet and cozy orc monster romance. Honestly, it was the light-hearted book I needed today. I listened to the audiobook while following along on my Kindle and the experience was perfect.
I’m not usually a fan of bully romances, but this one really worked for me. Thorak was Mariah’s high school bully, and now they’ve ended up in a fake dating/engagement scheme. This forces him to not only face his feelings for her but also take accountability for how he treated her in the past.
Even though the story is light and fun, it touches on some heavier topics and handles them with care. I do wish Thorak had stood up to his parents a little earlier, but I was happy with where things ended. The whole vibe was very low angst, and now I absolutely want to visit Elderberry Falls.
🍂 What You Can Expect
• Former bully
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fake fiancée
• Forced proximity at the inn
• He falls first
• Redemption arc
• Low angst
• Small town magical charm
• Orc brewmaster
✨ Favorite Quote
It’s a strange kind of magic, this: the power of sincere words spoken by someone you never thought capable of them.
____
📖 Final Score: 4.5 stars
🎧 Audio Score: 5 stars
🎧 Pub Date: June 24, 2025
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
This was such a sweet and cozy orc monster romance. Honestly, it was the light-hearted book I needed today. I listened to the audiobook while following along on my Kindle and the experience was perfect.
I’m not usually a fan of bully romances, but this one really worked for me. Thorak was Mariah’s high school bully, and now they’ve ended up in a fake dating/engagement scheme. This forces him to not only face his feelings for her but also take accountability for how he treated her in the past.
Even though the story is light and fun, it touches on some heavier topics and handles them with care. I do wish Thorak had stood up to his parents a little earlier, but I was happy with where things ended. The whole vibe was very low angst, and now I absolutely want to visit Elderberry Falls.
🍂 What You Can Expect
• Former bully
• Enemies-to-lovers
• Fake fiancée
• Forced proximity at the inn
• He falls first
• Redemption arc
• Low angst
• Small town magical charm
• Orc brewmaster
✨ Favorite Quote
It’s a strange kind of magic, this: the power of sincere words spoken by someone you never thought capable of them.
____
📖 Final Score: 4.5 stars
🎧 Audio Score: 5 stars
🎧 Pub Date: June 24, 2025
Thank you to RBmedia and NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
March 30, 2025
“Mariah, listen to me. The past is the past. People change. And from what I’ve seen, Thorak is not the same orc he was as a teenager. ”
Tengo un problema con esta novela y es personal porque si bien en general la historia puede estar decente, el argumento es del todo menos agradable para mí. El romance se produce entre el “matón” y su víctima una década más tarde.
Si bien es cierto que se tratan temas como el perdón y la madurez de las personas, así como “justifican” los hechos de ese bullying, yo no lo veo suficientemente razones para pasar de odio al amor incluido el perdón. Yo, siendo también una víctima de burlas de pequeña y no tan pequeñas, entiendo, pero no perdono. Bajo ningún concepto me gustaría ser amiga o algo más de alguien que sé que me ha hecho daño en el pasado.
A por el siguiente, que tiene mejor pinta y tiene una gárgola.
Tengo un problema con esta novela y es personal porque si bien en general la historia puede estar decente, el argumento es del todo menos agradable para mí. El romance se produce entre el “matón” y su víctima una década más tarde.
Si bien es cierto que se tratan temas como el perdón y la madurez de las personas, así como “justifican” los hechos de ese bullying, yo no lo veo suficientemente razones para pasar de odio al amor incluido el perdón. Yo, siendo también una víctima de burlas de pequeña y no tan pequeñas, entiendo, pero no perdono. Bajo ningún concepto me gustaría ser amiga o algo más de alguien que sé que me ha hecho daño en el pasado.
A por el siguiente, que tiene mejor pinta y tiene una gárgola.
June 22, 2025
The Orc and the Innkeeper is a cozy monster romance, with a spunky human innkeeper x brooding orc brewmaster, and a fake engagement!
This is the first book in the Elderberry Falls series, where humans and magical beings co-exist. I had this one on my TBR and then when I got the audio ALC, it made me get to it sooner than later. This was an easy listen. It’s equal parts cozy fantasy but then spicy and delivers on monster romance vibes too. It wasn’t my favorite read ever but it was good, and I think it being audio helped me get through it quicker than I would have otherwise.
We follow Mariah, the human innkeeper, and Thorak, her high school bully and orc brewmaster. Thorak shows up for a business meeting in Mariah’s inn with a potential investor to his brewery. He desperately needs the meeting to go well and when he’s faltering in the meeting, he claims Mariah is his fiancée (since she’s a human and that helped sway the investor). Thorak sees the fake relationship as a way to make amends for how horribly he treated her in the past, while Mariah needs someone to pay to have mites removed from her inn. His reasons for bullying her in the past weren’t great, but when is bullying ever great? Not sure that whole aspect to their relationship was needed, as it wasn’t my fav in the story, but it is what it is. I think if that was removed and the story was even shorter it would have worked better for me. So I liked this one enough, but nothing I loved. I believe this was a debut from the author so I might check more out in the future.
I received an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
This is the first book in the Elderberry Falls series, where humans and magical beings co-exist. I had this one on my TBR and then when I got the audio ALC, it made me get to it sooner than later. This was an easy listen. It’s equal parts cozy fantasy but then spicy and delivers on monster romance vibes too. It wasn’t my favorite read ever but it was good, and I think it being audio helped me get through it quicker than I would have otherwise.
We follow Mariah, the human innkeeper, and Thorak, her high school bully and orc brewmaster. Thorak shows up for a business meeting in Mariah’s inn with a potential investor to his brewery. He desperately needs the meeting to go well and when he’s faltering in the meeting, he claims Mariah is his fiancée (since she’s a human and that helped sway the investor). Thorak sees the fake relationship as a way to make amends for how horribly he treated her in the past, while Mariah needs someone to pay to have mites removed from her inn. His reasons for bullying her in the past weren’t great, but when is bullying ever great? Not sure that whole aspect to their relationship was needed, as it wasn’t my fav in the story, but it is what it is. I think if that was removed and the story was even shorter it would have worked better for me. So I liked this one enough, but nothing I loved. I believe this was a debut from the author so I might check more out in the future.
I received an audio ALC, all thoughts in this review are my own.
October 31, 2025
it was cute and cozy but issues needing to be resolved and trust needed to be earned. I needed more from the romance. Didn't feel the trust and forgiveness was earned fully.
July 11, 2024
The Orc and the Innkeeper, book 1 in the Elderberry Falls series and debut book for author Cora Crane, was such a cozy monster romance.
I loved the backstory between the two MCs. Thorak, the owner of the ale business, was Mariah’s bully in high school and now must depend on her to be his fake fiancée in order to win over a new investor who is only interested in working with someone under a human’s influence (we’ll get to more of that later). Mariah, having her own little financial problem, is the mastermind behind the whole set up: she’ll be his fake fiancée in order to help him secure the investor, as long as he pays for her mite situation at the inn she owns. Win-win, right?
Well, you would think so until you learn that Thorak was only mean to her because he liked her (typical boys *eyeroll*) and because of the prejudices he heard at home. He has since grown into a self-thinking, non-judgmental man…err orc, and wants to apologize for all the wrongs he did to Mariah in the past, as well as take the opportunity to get closer to her, since that crush hasn’t gone away with time. And Mariah is absolutely, 100% not going to give in without a fight, no matter how much heat she feels between them and no matter how much she wants to touch him, because she has been burned by him before and this baddie don’t play with fire…usually. That means grovel baby! There was some pretty prime groveling in this story and it was delicious! The first groveling scene was just *chef’s kiss*
Speaking of prejudices, I liked how the author was able to make us see why Thorak was a prejudiced idiot in high school as well as why his parents still had current hesitations towards humans. The story did a good job of not excusing the prejudices but explaining the root of them (history of the town between magicals and non-magicals) and showing the characters working towards assessing and changing those prejudices. I also liked how Mr. Kingsley, the human investor, showed the flip side of the coin, showing that there are human to non-human prejudices as well. I did love seeing him come around and I could have sworn he was going to fall for Ecco, Mariah’s siren best friend, until it was mentioned that he had a wife! I hope we get to see more of him in the town as the series progresses.
Speaking of Ecco, the next book in the series is planned and will involve her and a grumpy gargoyle bodyguard. UMMM….YUMMMMMMMMM!!!! That sounds like something I will devour in one sitting for sure. Also, why do I have a feeling that Gruna, Thorak’s sister, and Finn, Thorak’s faerie best friend, are hiding something??? I desperately need a Finn book and these two are looking awfully suspicious to me...
I thought it was interesting that the two MCs were already long-time residents of the town, as opposed to one MC being new to the town. Because of this we didn’t have the issue of one MC having to acclimate, but we did lose some of the exploring of the town because of that, I feel. I know the next book has a gargoyle who did not appear to be referenced in this story at all, so perhaps we’ll get more of that in the next book 😊
Lastly, this book did have a bit of spice, don’t fear!
Thank you to Booksirens and Cora Crane for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
I loved the backstory between the two MCs. Thorak, the owner of the ale business, was Mariah’s bully in high school and now must depend on her to be his fake fiancée in order to win over a new investor who is only interested in working with someone under a human’s influence (we’ll get to more of that later). Mariah, having her own little financial problem, is the mastermind behind the whole set up: she’ll be his fake fiancée in order to help him secure the investor, as long as he pays for her mite situation at the inn she owns. Win-win, right?
Well, you would think so until you learn that Thorak was only mean to her because he liked her (typical boys *eyeroll*) and because of the prejudices he heard at home. He has since grown into a self-thinking, non-judgmental man…err orc, and wants to apologize for all the wrongs he did to Mariah in the past, as well as take the opportunity to get closer to her, since that crush hasn’t gone away with time. And Mariah is absolutely, 100% not going to give in without a fight, no matter how much heat she feels between them and no matter how much she wants to touch him, because she has been burned by him before and this baddie don’t play with fire…usually. That means grovel baby! There was some pretty prime groveling in this story and it was delicious! The first groveling scene was just *chef’s kiss*
Speaking of prejudices, I liked how the author was able to make us see why Thorak was a prejudiced idiot in high school as well as why his parents still had current hesitations towards humans. The story did a good job of not excusing the prejudices but explaining the root of them (history of the town between magicals and non-magicals) and showing the characters working towards assessing and changing those prejudices. I also liked how Mr. Kingsley, the human investor, showed the flip side of the coin, showing that there are human to non-human prejudices as well. I did love seeing him come around and I could have sworn he was going to fall for Ecco, Mariah’s siren best friend, until it was mentioned that he had a wife! I hope we get to see more of him in the town as the series progresses.
Speaking of Ecco, the next book in the series is planned and will involve her and a grumpy gargoyle bodyguard. UMMM….YUMMMMMMMMM!!!! That sounds like something I will devour in one sitting for sure. Also, why do I have a feeling that Gruna, Thorak’s sister, and Finn, Thorak’s faerie best friend, are hiding something??? I desperately need a Finn book and these two are looking awfully suspicious to me...
I thought it was interesting that the two MCs were already long-time residents of the town, as opposed to one MC being new to the town. Because of this we didn’t have the issue of one MC having to acclimate, but we did lose some of the exploring of the town because of that, I feel. I know the next book has a gargoyle who did not appear to be referenced in this story at all, so perhaps we’ll get more of that in the next book 😊
Lastly, this book did have a bit of spice, don’t fear!
Thank you to Booksirens and Cora Crane for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
September 3, 2024
The author was incredibly efficient when writing this story. She skipped over all the really boring stuff like character depth and relationship development. All that's left is a bare bones bully to lovers story that does not put in the work to explain why Mariah would want to be with this dude.
November 2, 2024
Plot: I actually liked this story right until the poorly implemented miscommunication trope (which is my least favorite trope of all time anyway). I also need the author to stop describing everything as “cozy”. I get that she’s going for a certain vibe but a good author will set up the scene for us and we can come to that conclusion for ourselves. Using the word a couple times is ok but the “cozy” dropping bombs got ridiculous. A thesaurus would’ve helped fix this issue.
FMC: I was annoyed with Mariah by the end. I thought she was callous with the way refused to listen and almost ruined someone’s lifelong dream- yet she still had the audacity to take 20 grand from them anyway.
MMC: I liked him overall as a character but found the reasoning behind his high school bullying to be far fetched. Bullying someone as a form of protection is irony. What kind of backward gymnastics is this?
FMC: I was annoyed with Mariah by the end. I thought she was callous with the way refused to listen and almost ruined someone’s lifelong dream- yet she still had the audacity to take 20 grand from them anyway.
MMC: I liked him overall as a character but found the reasoning behind his high school bullying to be far fetched. Bullying someone as a form of protection is irony. What kind of backward gymnastics is this?
September 9, 2024
A cute and cozy romance! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a sweet monster romance with a bit of spice. They’re very lusty and I loved every minute of it. I wasn’t sure about a bully romance (or former bully romance), but it worked for me after all. The only reason this book didn’t get five stars from me is because it’s not a reread; I don’t typically reread romance in the first place. As a mood reader, this fits in best with the autumn season. 🍂
I received this ARC for free to review. 🫶🏻
I received this ARC for free to review. 🫶🏻
August 10, 2024
So cute!!
This was such a cute, cozy and fun enemies to lovers, monster romance. I just loved it! Elderberry Falls is a special place filled with magic, monsters and humans and I can’t wait to learn more about it! What a fun read for book 1. It was cute and romantic and the spice was there but, was definitely not the center of attention. The focus here was really falling in love with a super sweet HEA.
This was such a cute, cozy and fun enemies to lovers, monster romance. I just loved it! Elderberry Falls is a special place filled with magic, monsters and humans and I can’t wait to learn more about it! What a fun read for book 1. It was cute and romantic and the spice was there but, was definitely not the center of attention. The focus here was really falling in love with a super sweet HEA.
March 5, 2025
Such a cute cozy story! I adored it!
August 8, 2025
This was champion until the miscommunication, ugh use your words y’all!!!
I wanted more magic . The male narrator is a fav of mine but I didn’t love the character. All the I’m sorries…🙄
It was ok… I did like the town and the coziness. The chemistry and spice was ok
I wanted more magic . The male narrator is a fav of mine but I didn’t love the character. All the I’m sorries…🙄
It was ok… I did like the town and the coziness. The chemistry and spice was ok
October 14, 2024
In my opinion, it wasn't a true enemies to lovers more like old enemies to lovers they don't show any hostility to each other in the present day. They are actually pretty nice to each other. I mean, Mariah was mad at him, I guess, in her head, but somehow, still found him very attractive and got mad about that too, but she wasn't openly hostile toward him. He was just a sweet guy from the start with her. You got some inner mind flashbacks but no real scenes to see how mean he was to her. So when she was being insecure with him I didn't feel like she should be and just wanted her to move on but I feel like I would have understood more if the author would have given a few more flashbacks of the past.
I'm also not a fan of how he used to torture her, and yet she found him attractive, and supposedly, he's always loved her? Torturing and bulling someone isn't love. Maybe he lusted after her, but he didn't love her, in my opinion. I just don't see how you can be attracted to someone who is cruel to you. But I've never been in that situation maybe it is possible but doesn't seem healthy to me.
Anyway, outside of that, it was a nice, easy read. I don't think I'll ever read it again. I didn't hate the story. I just didn't get emotionally invested in it, and it all seemed pretty predictable. I think if you are in the mood for any easy romance with misunderstanding and such, you'll enjoy this. Just didn't hit with me.
Oh, also, the adult parts of the story are head tilt interesting, but I mostly skipped over them. I just wasn't invested enough to get into the passion of it. Normally, I don't mind the love scenes. I just wasn't interested enough to read them in this one.
I'm also not a fan of how he used to torture her, and yet she found him attractive, and supposedly, he's always loved her? Torturing and bulling someone isn't love. Maybe he lusted after her, but he didn't love her, in my opinion. I just don't see how you can be attracted to someone who is cruel to you. But I've never been in that situation maybe it is possible but doesn't seem healthy to me.
Anyway, outside of that, it was a nice, easy read. I don't think I'll ever read it again. I didn't hate the story. I just didn't get emotionally invested in it, and it all seemed pretty predictable. I think if you are in the mood for any easy romance with misunderstanding and such, you'll enjoy this. Just didn't hit with me.
Oh, also, the adult parts of the story are head tilt interesting, but I mostly skipped over them. I just wasn't invested enough to get into the passion of it. Normally, I don't mind the love scenes. I just wasn't interested enough to read them in this one.
September 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.75/5)
This was such a fun, cozy fantasy romance! The magical setting of Elderberry Falls drew me in right away, and I loved the blend of magic, quirky creatures, and the unlikely partnership between Thorak, the orc brewmaster, and the innkeeper. The fake engagement setup was entertaining, and the dynamic between the characters felt natural as they worked together to solve their problems.
While there was a touch of spice, the heart of the story was really in the slow build of their relationship and the sweet HEA. The book balanced romance and lighthearted moments perfectly, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. I’m excited to explore more of this magical world in future books! If you’re into cozy fantasy romances with a fun twist, this is one to pick up.
This was such a fun, cozy fantasy romance! The magical setting of Elderberry Falls drew me in right away, and I loved the blend of magic, quirky creatures, and the unlikely partnership between Thorak, the orc brewmaster, and the innkeeper. The fake engagement setup was entertaining, and the dynamic between the characters felt natural as they worked together to solve their problems.
While there was a touch of spice, the heart of the story was really in the slow build of their relationship and the sweet HEA. The book balanced romance and lighthearted moments perfectly, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. I’m excited to explore more of this magical world in future books! If you’re into cozy fantasy romances with a fun twist, this is one to pick up.
July 17, 2024
Tired of your main character being The Chosen One? Tired of endless battle scenes and slow-burn romance?
Well let me present to you The Orc and The Innkeeper. Perfect for fans of Ledgends & Lattes and Fake Dating, this pocket sized romance will keep you blushing.
I love a quickie 😉 and this 213 page cutie is perfect. Mariah and Thorak are great characters and I loved seeing their love bloom.
High fantasy and monster romances are often such high stakes or dark themes and sometimes a girl just wants something light.
Well let me present to you The Orc and The Innkeeper. Perfect for fans of Ledgends & Lattes and Fake Dating, this pocket sized romance will keep you blushing.
I love a quickie 😉 and this 213 page cutie is perfect. Mariah and Thorak are great characters and I loved seeing their love bloom.
High fantasy and monster romances are often such high stakes or dark themes and sometimes a girl just wants something light.
dnf
October 7, 2024DNF @ 26%. There wasn’t anything “wrong” with it, I just found the story to be too cheesy and cozy for me. I’d have liked a bit more character development (and for the hero to immediately grovel for how he treated her in the past).
October 6, 2024
I mean obvs I’m reading the next one, but it’s not my fave of these books I’ve read.
June 23, 2025
I love a monster romance and this was my first one with Orcs.
I went in expecting a short, cozy, low stakes kind of read and it’s mostly what I got: The human inn keeper, the hot Orc and their second chance small town romance.
Overall, the plot had potential and I did mostly enjoy the first two thirds of it. The world building is simple enough and I like how it addresses the issues that come with a set up like this.
I was intrigued, especially by the MMC, who has a lot of development and/or groveling to do. The premise of him having been her bully in high school generally works and can be an intriguing set-up for a second chance romance. I did believe him and, over the course of the book, was able to understand his actions, now and in the past.
(Until in the last 10% when we suddenly got a totally different explanation that was not needed and felt like a contradiction to his earlier reasoning. )
The third arc conflict didn’t come out of nowhere, yet it felt a bit misplaced. The lack of trust was a good foundation for that sort of arc but I think the implementation felt like a conflict just for the plot’s sake.
The FMC was vastly underdeveloped in my opinion.
I don’t know who she is. I don’t know why she made the decisions she made, I don’t know where the sudden forgiveness came from. She went back and forth between mistrust and conviction and it was frankly a bit tiring.
I think, this translated into my issues with the dynamic of these two, even if I did believe their emotions and motifs.
For once, the MMC always mentioned his own distress when he apologized. How hard it was on him. In the power dynamic they used to have, this is something that in my opinion took away from his redemption and could have been avoided while maintaining consistency in his character.
My biggest problem however was with the FMCs environment and blind encouragement that felt less like support and more like furthering the plot and pushing her along for the sake of it. Again and again, she was told the exact same thing by every friend, coworker and family member whenever she communicated her worries. To not let fear stop her from something something so great.
And maybe that’s just me but it didn’t feel like it was written from the POV of someone who has experienced bullying. It was no unreasonable fear holding her back, it was valid distrust that, in my opinion, could and should have been addressed and worked out rather than dismissed and shoved aside.
I was all for them making up and finding their way but I feel like this might have needed a bit more depth.
The writing style itself was comfortable and matched the tone and vibe of the book. I very much enjoyed the narration.
Overall, The Orc and the Innkeeper might not have been my favorite. Even though, it is a quick and cozy audiobook and I think it could be perfect for those that love the small town drama, sweet monster romance and second chance redemption arcs.
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Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and the author for an ALC of this book
I went in expecting a short, cozy, low stakes kind of read and it’s mostly what I got: The human inn keeper, the hot Orc and their second chance small town romance.
Overall, the plot had potential and I did mostly enjoy the first two thirds of it. The world building is simple enough and I like how it addresses the issues that come with a set up like this.
I was intrigued, especially by the MMC, who has a lot of development and/or groveling to do. The premise of him having been her bully in high school generally works and can be an intriguing set-up for a second chance romance. I did believe him and, over the course of the book, was able to understand his actions, now and in the past.
(Until in the last 10% when we suddenly got a totally different explanation that was not needed and felt like a contradiction to his earlier reasoning. )
The third arc conflict didn’t come out of nowhere, yet it felt a bit misplaced. The lack of trust was a good foundation for that sort of arc but I think the implementation felt like a conflict just for the plot’s sake.
The FMC was vastly underdeveloped in my opinion.
I don’t know who she is. I don’t know why she made the decisions she made, I don’t know where the sudden forgiveness came from. She went back and forth between mistrust and conviction and it was frankly a bit tiring.
I think, this translated into my issues with the dynamic of these two, even if I did believe their emotions and motifs.
For once, the MMC always mentioned his own distress when he apologized. How hard it was on him. In the power dynamic they used to have, this is something that in my opinion took away from his redemption and could have been avoided while maintaining consistency in his character.
My biggest problem however was with the FMCs environment and blind encouragement that felt less like support and more like furthering the plot and pushing her along for the sake of it. Again and again, she was told the exact same thing by every friend, coworker and family member whenever she communicated her worries. To not let fear stop her from something something so great.
And maybe that’s just me but it didn’t feel like it was written from the POV of someone who has experienced bullying. It was no unreasonable fear holding her back, it was valid distrust that, in my opinion, could and should have been addressed and worked out rather than dismissed and shoved aside.
I was all for them making up and finding their way but I feel like this might have needed a bit more depth.
The writing style itself was comfortable and matched the tone and vibe of the book. I very much enjoyed the narration.
Overall, The Orc and the Innkeeper might not have been my favorite. Even though, it is a quick and cozy audiobook and I think it could be perfect for those that love the small town drama, sweet monster romance and second chance redemption arcs.
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Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and the author for an ALC of this book
June 23, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC!
I’m absolutely loving cozy fantasies right now, and listening to them as audiobooks is such a fun experience. There’s something so soothing and calm about listening to a low-stakes fantasy story about a human innkeeper and an orc brewmaster fake dating to accomplish their own goals and accidentally falling in love in the process.
It’s a bully romance without having to experience a lot of the bullying, which I prefer because they aren’t my favourite. He bullied her as teens, but now they’re adults and turns out he REALLY likes her. There’s a lot of romantic tension between the two, and the narrators of this audiobook do a fantastic job of bringing it to life. They really embody the characters, and I always love having two narrators, especially when the book is in both perspectives.
The story was sweet if predictable, but that’s one of the nice things about cozy fantasy. You’re not there for a twisty plot. This was my first cozy fantasy with spice, and I think I’ve decided I don’t hate having spice in my cozy fantasy, but I probably don’t want it on audio in the future. It’s funny, because I don’t necessarily mind it in other books, but something about it being in cozy fantasy weirded me out and messed with my vibes a bit. I can eyeball read it just fine. 😂
If you’re looking for a spicy cozy fantasy, I definitely recommend this one. It’s a story of overcoming prejudices, set in a magical town in a world that is still learning to combine the magical with the human world. It has its funny moments, sweet moments, and spice to pull it all together. Add it to your cozy fantasy TBR today!
I’m absolutely loving cozy fantasies right now, and listening to them as audiobooks is such a fun experience. There’s something so soothing and calm about listening to a low-stakes fantasy story about a human innkeeper and an orc brewmaster fake dating to accomplish their own goals and accidentally falling in love in the process.
It’s a bully romance without having to experience a lot of the bullying, which I prefer because they aren’t my favourite. He bullied her as teens, but now they’re adults and turns out he REALLY likes her. There’s a lot of romantic tension between the two, and the narrators of this audiobook do a fantastic job of bringing it to life. They really embody the characters, and I always love having two narrators, especially when the book is in both perspectives.
The story was sweet if predictable, but that’s one of the nice things about cozy fantasy. You’re not there for a twisty plot. This was my first cozy fantasy with spice, and I think I’ve decided I don’t hate having spice in my cozy fantasy, but I probably don’t want it on audio in the future. It’s funny, because I don’t necessarily mind it in other books, but something about it being in cozy fantasy weirded me out and messed with my vibes a bit. I can eyeball read it just fine. 😂
If you’re looking for a spicy cozy fantasy, I definitely recommend this one. It’s a story of overcoming prejudices, set in a magical town in a world that is still learning to combine the magical with the human world. It has its funny moments, sweet moments, and spice to pull it all together. Add it to your cozy fantasy TBR today!
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