Bread with the Orc

Harmony Glen

by Veronika Kane

When your life’s in shambles, maybe it’s time to steep yourself in temptation.

My dreams of running a quaint tea shop just went up in steam—along with my savings. But when my gruff neighbor Dorvak offers to let me set up in his bakery, I can't resist one last chance to prove I'm not a failure.

The hulking, spice-scented orc baker grunts more than he talks and keeps his spotless kitchen as locked down as his heart, but I’ve been secretly fascinated by him for ages. Is this my chance to find out if all that grumpiness hides a cinnamon-roll center I’d love to sink my teeth into?

But proximity has a way of heating things up, and I discover that my reclusive neighbor isn’t just protective and caring; he’s got a filthy mouth and knows how to use it. When it turns out there’s something very specific he wants from me…let's just say I’m more than willing to let this deliciously surly orc take a bite out of me.

This low-angst, high-heat, cozy small-town rom-com features the grumpiest/sunshine duo to team up, workplace shenanigans, and a hero who is not only ready to rise to the occasion, but has a thing for cream-filled treats… and she’s his favorite dessert!


* * * *

Though they once lived in secret, “monsters” have inhabited the earth as long as humans. As technology advanced by leaps and bounds, the ability to remain hidden dwindled. Earth’s nonhuman creatures faced a allow themselves to be discovered, or step forward and introduce themselves. Either option could have ended badly for monsters and humans alike—and in some places, it did.
But not in Harmony Glen.
After The Great Revelation, Harmony Glen welcomed monsters with open arms. This small, lakeside town in Upstate New York is now home to humans and nonhumans! Integration has been so successful in Harmony Glen, the town even changed its motto to “Come for the harmony, stay for the happily ever after.”
Welcome to Harmony Glen. We know you’re going to love it here.

Each book in the Harmony Glen multi-author series is a standalone cozy romance with a happily ever after! The books can be enjoyed in any order.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

Veronika Kane is the monster-loving alter-ego of USA Today Bestselling Author Caroline Lee. One of Caroline's favorite genres to read is SciFi Romance, which led her to monster romance. When she discovered it was possible to set big, buff, delicious monsters in contemporary cozy small towns, she was sold. And that's how she ended up with a new pen name and a new series.

Welcome to the town of Eastshore Isle, the only beach town on the east coast experiencing negative population growth. You know who's going to help save the town? That's right; super-sexy, laugh-out-loud orcs.

Just like Caroline's HistRomComs, except greener.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bread with the Orc by Veronika Kane
Harmony Glen multiple author series. Paranormal small town monster romance.
With technology getting better and the ability to hide becoming almost impossible, non human creatures have stepped out of the dark. Small town Harmony Glen welcomes all with open doors and welcome.
Laney Wong opened a tea shop to honor her mother but tea alone didn’t bring in the traffic needed to sustain the store. Disappointed and sad, Laney goes next door to the bakery for solace and Dorvak gives her bread and a dessert. He allows her add her tea tables to his spacious store and he’s persuaded to add desserts to his daily bread sales. Their sales and repeat customers make it a successful combination which also makes their friendship heat up more than just the kitchen.

Small town feels, low angst, and steamy sexy relationships are the core for this author. Add in humor, and you won’t want to put this down until you’ve finished it.
Love the orcs, the writing, the heat and feel good romance.

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super sweet and steamy orc-human romance novella from Veronika Kane. Laney is closing her beloved tea shop after all too short a run, largely because she only featured tea. When neighboring business owner Dorvak who happens to be a very handsome orc who bakes delicious breads finds out, he offers to merge their businesses into one, branching out into pastries which he’d only previously offered to friends and Laney.

The pair become intimately involved with each other in short order, and it’s a low angst tumble towards their HEA.

I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m pleased to share my honest review.

[Brittanica Bold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of small monster towns, but also of series that are a collaboration by multiple authors, so I couldn’t wait to visit Harmony Glen with Veronika Kane!

I loved how Kane wove in her established orc background into a new town with another loveable orc, Dorvak. I loved that there was mention of not just Dorvak, but another possible orc or couple of orcs who lived in the woods outside Harmony Glen. I love that this creates so much more space for Kane to expand her orc romances outside of Eastshore Isle (her main orc series)!

I loved how sweet Laney was and how she definitely didn’t judge the “monsters” in the community, despite having grown up with a father who was the opposite. I loved that she started her tea shop in honor of her mother and that she was able to find a way, with her mate, to still keep that honor going even after closing her shop at the beginning of the book.

Of course this was full of spicy goodness, including but not limited to a breeding kink! Oh, and he called her “love” and “good girl”, which are two of my favorites 😉

I’m definitely looking forward to reading more in the Harmony Glen series!!

Thank you to Veronika Kane for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

[Pájuš ❤️‍ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had no idea what to expect. But what I got was a cozy, nice romance about an Orc and human running a bakery and tea shop together. Loved it 🧡

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Eastshore Isle, you are going to love Harmony Glen!

Dorvak is a grumpy baker. Laney is a bubbly tea enthusiast. Dorvak suggests they combine their businesses so Laney doesn't have to have up her dream of building a community space and sharing her mother's love of tea and their culture.

Once they begin working together, things get heated... in the kitchen, of course 😉 and all the Veronika Kane orc goodness takes place.

I'm going to have to read more of the Harmony Glen series because there were lots of character mentions that I now need to know about!!

ARC

[Suzanne Bourgeois]

this was the cutest story. this was the first of her contemporary Orc series I've read, and it did not disappoint. the description says low angst and high heat and that is very apt. the comfort level in this book is off the charts. its what would happen if you cross GBBO with hallmark then said make it green. I think Harmony Glen just might be my new favorite cozy town to escape to!

[Jocelyn Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronika does it again! This is the perfect combo of grumpy sunshine that makes my heart melt. It’s a cozy romance that doesn’t have a lot of angst, like low angst. Dorvak was so grumpy but such a cinnamon roll (that’s my fave type of hero). Laney was all sunshine and rainbows. This was such a cute book that made my heart melt. I will def be reading it again.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super sweet orc romance! Sassy and passionate, with lots of baked treats..

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Harmony Glen Series Many Authors :
Karla Doyle (Author) , Alana Khan (Author) , Andie Fenichel (Author) , Ava Ross (Author) , Evangeline Priest (Author) , Veronika Kane (Author) , Honey Phillips (Author) , Vivienne Hart (Author) , Zoe Ashwood (Author) , AC Ruttan (Author) , Alora Quinn (Author) , Kit Fox (Illustrator)

❌ Hiss and Tell by ALANA KHAN (5 September 2025) -
❌ Big Enough to Bite by ANDIE FENICHEL (8 September 2025) -
❌ Never Been Gargoyled by AVA ROSS (10 September 2025) -
❌ Purring for Her Lion by EVANGELINE PRIEST (13 September 2025) -
❌ Bread with the Orc by VERONIKA KANE (15 September 2025) -
❌ Horned to be Wild by HONEY PHILIPS (17 September 2025) -
❌ Foxer Upper by VIVIENNE HART (19 September 2025) -
❌ Can't Help Growling in Love by ZOE ASHWOOD (22 September 2025) -
❌ Time to Stirrup Love by AC RUTTAN (24 September 2025) -
❌ The Genie's Wish by ALORA QUINN and KIT FOX (26 September 2025) -
❌ Reptile Dysfunction by ALANA KHAN (29 September 2025) -
❌ A Troll in the Hay by KAARLA DOYLE (30 September 2025) -
❌ Rock 'n' Troll by KARLA DOYLE (18 May 2026)
❌ Biting Bigfoot by ANDIE FENICHEL (20 May 2026)
❌ Are You Gonna Be My Ghoul? by AAC RUTTAAN (22 May 2026)
❌ Waiting for a Ghoul Like You by AC RUTTAN (29 May 2026)
❌ Wood You Be Vine? by KARLA DOYLE (1 Jun 2026)


https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D1KY83Q...

[Dr. Lillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy, small town orc romance is a perfect escape into a low stakes, high heat story break! Harmony Glen is a cute little town with a bunch of different monsters, and this story features one of Kane’s compelling orcs. I’m a huge fan of the Eastshore Orcs and Dorvak of Harmony Glen is cut from the same cloth. Dorvak is a grumpy orc who just wants to be left alone to make bread in his small bakery. Laney is the sunshiney human who owns the tea shop next door, which is in dire straits. I especially loved the snippets of tea history and how Laney’s character honors her Asian family traditions surrounding tea. At the urging of a friend, Dorvak approaches Laney and offers to help out, and business quickly booms - as does the tension between them. As their connection deepens and relationship develops, will Dorvak trust Laney enough to open up and find true partnership? You’ll have to read and find out!

Age gap: Ages not specifically noted but probably early 30s for Dorvak (in agreement with Eastshore Orcs) and late 20s for Laney.

Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, Orc, small town, Fates Mates

I received an early version and voluntarily leave this review.

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute, cozy small-town orc romance. It is part of the multi-author Harmony Glen series of standalones that can be read in any order. It also exists in the same universe as Kane’s Eastshore Isle series but is not directly connected.

Laney is the human FMC whose dreams of running a tea shop have come crashing down. Luckily for her, her hunky but grumpy neighbor, orc MMC Dorvak, offers to let her set up in his bakery. Naturally, things get spicy in the kitchen.

I devoured this book, the characters were so fun, with a perfect grumpy/sunshine dynamic and a cozy bakery setting. Laney is Chinese, and I appreciated the significance tea had for her and her heritage. The author also included a thoughtful section in the end note explaining why she chose to make Laney Chinese, which I found interesting.

This was a fun, quick read with engaging side characters. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the Harmony Glen series.

Spice 4.5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
My Enjoyment: 4.5/5

*** I received an ARC and am voluntarily, leaving my honest review.

[Tima · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, small town, grumpy male orc baker (Dorvak)/cheerful female community focused human tea enthusiast (Laney), contemporary fantasy romance. I enjoyed that Dorvak initiated the business relationship between Laney and him which developed into more, even though he didn’t care for interaction much. I enjoyed the way he provided Laney with opportunities with no expectation of reciprocation. I enjoyed Laney’s cheerfulness and hope. I appreciated her community focus and her desire to show her love and respect for her mother’s memory. I enjoyed the developing relationship and the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the community support. I enjoyed the small town setting and the beings populating it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.

[Angela Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay such an absolutely cute story! Low angst, high heat, and an amazing couple who is so perfect for each other. Laney was sweet, bubbly, and so passionate about what she loves. She just wants to create a place the community can gather and come together. I loved her reasoning for why this was such a dream for her. Dorvak is definitely a sweetheart wrapped in a grumpy package. I loved how he was so willing to help Laney with her dream and how much he trusted her. An absolutely dirty talking sweetheart. These two were so wonderful and I loved reading about them coming together. I’m falling in love with Harmony Glen as well! Definitely recommend this book!

I did receive an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Lou Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another sweet read by Veronika Kane. The story is located in the town of Harmony Glen and is part of a conglomerate of famous authors writing stories about the residents of Haromony Glen.
This is probably one of my favorite novelle's of Veronika.

One thing I love about Veronika's female characters is that they are not perfect. They represent all colors and sizes and different ages of women. The Orcs may be rough on the outside but they always have a soft heart. This could be a Hallmark movie except for several very steamy parts.

I was given a copy free to review and I am happy to give my honest opinion

[Xerxia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, the title is the pun you think it is.

This is a novella, one of I think 6 written by different authors all set in the same cosy small town and apparently all featuring different monster/human pairings. I’ve read all of this author’s other orc books, so this seemed safe. And it was. But I don’t think it was a good example of what this author is capable of.

As much as it pains me to say, there was too much smut here, at least as compared to the amount of substance, of which there was almost none. I don’t mind a cosy short story, but there does need to be a story, not just a bunch of sex.

[Melissa Chapman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute, fun, fast read, with some great spice scenes. A devoted baker (swoon), and a bubbly tea maker come together to make something great.
The problem with a lot of these novellas is that they move so fast. Because of that, a lot of the characters have to act a little more irrationally and things get resolved so quickly without much effort, and I think it hurts the story.
The story goes full throttle really quickly and while that can be fun, an extra few pages could change how a relationship develops.
There is a sweet resolution and the whole story is very low stress.

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet slow-burn romance that is so heartwarming you can't help but smile your way through this book. This was sooo well-written I enjoyed every single moment. Dorvak has a way of worming his way into your heart with his blunt sweet words and the way he takes care of Laney. He lets her into his very quiet life and she has this way of brightening it right up with them combining their bread and bakery treats with her tea and wanting to create a cozy place for the people of Harmony Glen to come and enjoy a little down time. I loved how these two sweet couple come together. The way Veronika spun this story was so enthralling you need to be prepared to not want to put it down. Once I opened this story I couldn't put it down I needed to finish right to the end. Dorvak comes across as grumpy and intimidating and Laney is known for being a sweetheart and always puts people needs first. Everybody in the town have a soft spot for her, and when these two come together as business partners combining their shops it becomes a huge success each complimenting each other. Dorvak may be intimidating to other people but when it comes to Laney he is a big marshmallow and treats her like a queen in his little subtle ways of taking care of her. I loved every single moment of this story and this is a must read!! You won't be disappointed!!!!

[Carol-Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading Veronika’s books and this one did not disappoint. The characters and plot were engaging and had me reading the book in one sitting. Laney and Dorvak are very likeable, well developed characters and their chemistry leads to some well written bedroom scenes.

If you are unfamiliar with Veronika’s works this book will be a great introduction!

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Veronika Kane's Bread with the Orc is a sweet addition to the Harmony Glen series. Laney has to close her tea store due to low business. Next door is a bakery run by a gorgeous Orc named Dorvak. They've been interested in each other for a while. Now he sees that together she can be the front of the business selling tea, sweet desserts, and bread while he can do all the baking, and, boy, does it get hot in that kitchen!

[K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To no surprise, I absolutely loved this! Our orc main character is a gruff antisocial baker with sexy muscular forearms and our female main is one VERY sunshiney human! We have a certain degree of damsel in distress, forced proximity and then an “eff it moment” where Dorvak puts both hands on the counter either sides of Laney *giggle* !!

I’ve eaten up every Orc that Veronika has written and this is the quality I know her to deliver! I can’t wait to read more from this shared universe!

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bread with the Orc” by Veronika Kane

-A cozy monster romance full of charm, passion, and small-town magic. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Laney’s failing tea shop gets a second chance when grumpy baker Dorvak steps in. What begins as a business merger soon sparks into a sweet, steamy romance.

Tea, bread, and sizzling chemistry make their low-angst journey irresistible. A fun read!

[Joan Ortiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

great.

That was really cute! Loved the elements from the Eastshore Orcs! But little difference here also. Laney and Dorvak coming together was seamless and such a cute story to read. Glad the father didn't take too long to realize (though it would have sucked if he didn't come around) his only daughter and only means to grandchildren meant he had to be more open to the "others" in his town.

[Zena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yummy!
This is a delicious, slow burn and very yummy story with two delightfully, endearing characters telling us how they found their perfect mate.
It is a quick read to and I enjoyed it so much. Perfect to lift one's spirits and make you want more.
I read an early copy and am happy to leave my voluntary review.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to discover that I was diving into Dorvak's story! We first met him in "Never Been Gargoyled," and I had a hunch he would be connected to the tea shop next door. While he’s often seen as the grumpy one, he’s really a good-hearted orc. In this story, he and his mate truly come to life!

This is the third book I’ve read in this series, and I’m absolutely loving every moment of it!

[Gemma Honeyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do love a sweet grumpy Orc! 😍

This was a great, fast paced, low stakes read filled with GrumpyxSunshine goodness!
Laney was so sweet and cute, Dorvak was protective and could definitely bring the heat! I just loved them together and I would totally love to visit Harmony tea and treats to try all the goodies!

[Sara Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orc Heaven

Heaven must be green! Because all I can do is dream of Kane's Orcs! And now there is one in Harmony Glen... Yes! Yes! Yes! My hope for orctopia is on its way!!!! This story was fantastic and sexy! It had me in a hot mess and crying tears of happiness! Our couple is just adorable and fun together. I loved the tea aspect and sweet treats! Perfection!

[Robin Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breads, Teas and Sweet Treats

I usually end my reviews with a HEA, but this book deserves it up front. A wonderful storyline in which saving her also saves him. Changing him from a grump to a "tolerable" Orc with her natural sunshine attitude. I have enjoyed all of Veronika's books and strongly recommend them.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just such a sweet read! I love the mmc. I fell for him as soon as he suggested they work together so she didn't have to close her tea shop! I loved that it was fast paced and oh my the 🌶️, incredible!

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little meh for me, especially compared to how much more I liked the book in this series by Zoe Ashwood. The story is cute enough, I just never got a sense of actual chemistry between the characters before their relationship bolted ahead at light speed.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

More cozy goodness!

Harmony Glen never disappoints. This couple is adorable and sweet. Dorvak is a more talkative orc than I would have assumed from his appearances in other HG offerings. Laney is adorable. Spicy, sweet, and cozy. Highly recommend!