Only One for the Orc

Claw Haven #3

by Isabelle Taylor

A local bookshop employee falls hard for her polar opposite—who just happens to be an orc—in the second installment of Isabelle Taylor’s Claw Haven series, perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes and Ruby Dixon 

In Claw Haven, Alaska, monsters are real—but fated mates? Bookseller Vi Harper doesn’t believe, and it’s up to one smitten orc to prove otherwise in this sweet and spicy romance.

Vi Harper is good at many things. Fixing problems for everyone in Claw Haven, for one. Keeping Sweethelm Bookstore running smoothly, for another. Above all, Vi is great at pretending she’s got her life figured out. The truth is, she’s a hot mess inside—especially when cocky, gorgeous orc Nick Wicker goads her in his infuriating way.

Nick has found his mate. That’s the good news. The he’s already blown it. Every time Nick speaks to soft-spoken, overworked bookseller Vi, she seems to hate him even more. What’s a lovestruck orc to do but stress-bake and look for some way to redeem himself? Even it means joining the book club.

Then a batch of apology brownies sparks one passionate night together and suddenly, sensible Vi is doing something completely out of offering her one-time enemy a friends-with-benefits arrangement. It’s more than Nick dreamed. Phenomenal. And it won’t be enough. Not until he’s found a way to show her that sometimes, fate gets it exactly right…

 

Genres: Romance, Fantasy, Romantasy, Cozy, Fiction, Enemies To Lovers, Monster Romance

336 pages, ebook

First published August 25, 2026

Reviews

[✨Julie✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✩ 3 stars ✩

What to Expect:
➼ Fated Mates
➼ He Falls First
➼ Human x Orc
➼ Dislike-to-Love
➼ He Secretly Bakes
➼ Friends with Benefits
➼ Small Town
➼ Cozy Fantasy
➼ Narrated by Jade Wheeler
➼ Third Person POV

This ended up being a lot cuter than I initially expected, but I’m not a huge fan of adding this level of spice to the cozy genre. If this had been written in first person POV, I might have felt differently, but something about the narration style didn’t completely work for me. Both characters were also a little hard to love, him for putting his foot in his mouth in bizarre ways and her for jumping to some of the most outrageous conclusions. She was sending very mixed signals and had been pretty hateful to him, so I understood why he doubted her affection, but she had very little reason to doubt his and yet still did. A little miscommunication is expected, but I don’t like it when characters invent entire neurotic stories in their heads. I also hated pretty much everyone in this town by the end. They all made it clear that they thought the FMC should take more time for herself, but they also never stopped taking advantage of her or asking her for favors that benefitted them. I definitely think she needed to learn to say no and create boundaries for herself, but she would have had a much easier time doing so if she hadn’t been surrounded by so many people with so few qualms about imposing on her time. Her sister was the worst offender, such an incredibly selfish person! It was sweet that the MMC took on some of her responsibilities for her, but I think they’d probably be happier if they moved. 😅

Thank you to the author and Libro.FM for providing me with the ALC.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

Pre-read: A cozy read feels right for the beginning of Autumn! 😊

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[thebookish.dragon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: 🎧
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Series 3 of 5 - Claw Haven


This is probably one of the only instances of the Miscommunication trope that has actually worked for me. Normally I hate it, but this time really worked for the plot. Although…like if they had just TOLD EACH OTHER this would have been a short book lol

I first saw Nick and Violet as background characters in Accidentally Wedded to a Werewolf and found myself wondering if they would be the next couple (they weren’t next, but 3rd) and when I saw this as an upcoming Harlequin release I knew I wanted to read it.

These are cute and cosy monster romance reads, so if you like CM Nascosta and SE Wendel, I think you’d really enjoy the Claw Haven series.

The audio — Jade Wheeler did a really great job, great pacing and a great distinguishing tone for each character (I love her “old man” voice - it’s so cute lol).


Notable tropes & themes —

💚 Fated mates/soul mates
🥧 Rivals to lovers
📚 Bookish
💚 Opposites attract
🥧 “One night only” to FWB
📚 Baker Bandit
💚 interconnected standalones
🥧 miscommunication
📚 size difference



The titles of the Claw Haven series by Isabelle Taylor:

Accidentally Wedded to a Werewolf (book 1)
Christmas with a Chimera (book 2)
Only One for the Orc (book 3)
Snowed In with an Incubus (book 4)
The Dragon's Fake Date (book 5)



I received this ALC from Harlequin Audio | Harlequin as an opportunity to listen and give my honest review. I also received a physical ARC from the Harlequin Shameless Romantics influencer team.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second book from Isabelle Taylor and the Claw Haven series and I am definitely gonna be reading more.
This series does not have to be read in order as all the books are stand alones in the same town.
Vi & Nick are a couple of idiots who could have been enjoying love sooner if they could just get out of their own way.
But that's part of the fun right?
I enjoyed how they pulled different pieces of growth from each other and then started to see how that happened.
Of course you love each other lol.
Much love to NetGalley & Harlequin Audio for my ALC.

[Madison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be a fun and silly monster romance, but the writing wasn’t great, I was kinda bored for most of it, and 90% of the problems in the book would’ve been fixed if the MC’s would just get their heads out of their own asses

[Sarah Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is adorable! I've loved this series as a whole, but this one was just such a warm hug. At first, I was like...I dunno about this guy, but that was 100% want it seems like Isabelle wanted us to think. As he comes out of his shell he is the cutest little guy, bumbling around just wanting to give her love. This guy is the definition of if he wanted to he would, and boy does he ever. The side characters really became integral to the story in the most perfect way. Think heist crew but make it cozy fantasy and a...operation find true love mission? I was so happy with the big plot point of fated mates and wanting them to LIKE each other, and not just because they had to. Nick's perseverance to his goal was so cute. I really want to read a story about Jasper next! (Even though I think I know from this one who is coming soon!)

I got this one from NetGalley, and am so happy to be continuing this series. Seriously, giant warm hug, go read it when you need a pick me up!

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cozy paranormal romcom between human Vi (do NOT call her Violet) and orc Nick. It’s part of a series, but it isn’t necessary to have read the others to enjoy this one. I liked it far better than A Chimera for Christmas, fwiw.

A few observations: the MCs are in their early 30s, but their actions are more like young adults, especially with the vast amounts of non- and miscommunication between them. Also, Vi is a doormat in the extreme, which was tedious and frustrating. Nick’s motivations in keeping the fated mates bombshell to himself were understandable, but it also became exasperating as the book progressed. Overall I rate this book 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I was furnished an advance reader copy from NetGalley, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Berry ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Isabelle Taylor, Harlequin Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4 / 5 ⭐

Sooo, it is safe to say I've definitely got to read more cozy romantasy, cozy MONSTER romantasy at that.
I thought Only One for the Orc was just so endearing. And the chemistry between Vi and Nick was even more so!! I'm such a sucker for the fated mates trope, so this one definitely hit the correct target audience in my case hehe.

First off, I LOVE that the MCs are well into adulthood. I also really really enjoyed the overall setting of Clawhaven! I honestly had no idea that there were other works in this series, but now that I've read this one, I definitely need to go back and read the other two prior to this.

Nick was the epitome of a golden retriever book boyfriend. He was perfectly awkward, just the right amount attentive, a bit shy. I loved him so so so much.

All I can say is, I wished they would've communicated better lol. A good majority of their issues could have been solved if they had just talked D:

Overall such a good read, I'm adding the rest of the series to my TBR!

[Skeena8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Claw Haven series (Accidentally wedded to a Werewolf, Christmas with a Chimera). I love this small monster town. I have been waiting for this book since the first book and we met Vi the owner of the Bookstore and Nick the grumpy Orc. Nick knows that Vi is his mate, but Vi a human hates him, loathes him and just can’t stand his immature, jokey personality. But NIck will do anything to be around her. So when Vi is overwhelmed with being the first to be called when anyone needs anything, Nick see his chance to step in and woo her. This book is fun and hilarious and super spicy. I find myself still thinking about the first spicy descriptions scene and wondering how it will fit….or maybe I just need a diagram…..👀. I enjoyed this book a lot but the first book might still be my favourite. I hope that we get more from this series maybe some Book Club member and Vi sister. Isabella is there NSFW art for this book? I’m going to go hunt down your discord now.

[Kelsey 📖 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin Audio, Isabelle Taylor, and NetGalley for this ALC, here are my thoughts:

This was such a big warm hug.
A librarian and an Orc. 💖

Also, it had disability rep in it
& the mention of audiobooks and reading aloud!
I absolutely loved that!

And all the friends were so sweet 🥲

I do not typically enjoy miscommunication at all. But, in this it did make sense!
But, still wanted to shake them both lol.

Overall, so sweet and the epilogue was perfect!
Will be reading the rest of the books in this series!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think everyone needs a super adorable awkward Orc boyfriend who stress bakes and is trying to woo his fated mate. I did this read as an audiobook which was just the best as it was one of those listens that had my giggling along and blushing at the amazing spice !!! I just adored the cozy vibes as well as our Orc Nick who is a non reader discovering the joys of reading and running a book club. It added just an extra layer of fun to have that bookish element in this cozy monster romance read. Vi was all things that are bookish and kind. She helps everyone so I loved that she finally got someone to take care of her. Love these low stakes, cozy fun reads that just fill that warm spot in your soul.

This book has:
Fated mates/Soul mates
Rivals to Lovers
Bookish vibes
Opposites Attract
One Night Only
Stress Baking Fun

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always a magical time returning to Claw Haven with our favorite residents, new and old.

I have been eyeing Vi and Nick for some time, waiting for their story to come and it did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved Vi’s thoughts on fated mates: she didn’t believe being fated was enough; your love had to stand on it’s own, having a solid foundation outside of “fate”. Not only did this create a little bit of turmoil for our MMC, but it made the reader feel as though anything that transpired between the two of them was deeply analyzed by Vi and not a “symptom of fate”.

While I felt for Vi that she had the whole world upon her shoulders, always offering/being volunteered to help everyone with their lives, I loved that Nick took it upon himself to try to lighten her load any chance he could.

I loved that both of them felt like outsiders, everyone accepting them for what they could do for them (volunteering vs. charming/good time). This allowed them to connect on a deeper level having both felt the same way about their lives.

My absolutely favorite part of the book was Vi’s boss, Chester, a surly dragon, bickering with the golden retriever Nick. Chester obviously saw something in Nick but wasn’t going to let him win him over easily. I loved their back and forth about books and love, and how Nick, and Vi, got Chester to stop being surly for a record amount of time.

This was a fun time, just like the rest of the series. Definitely a recommended read!

Thank you Harlequin and Isabelle Taylor for the eARC! The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

[Kelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Welcome to Claw Haven, a cozy little town in Alaska where monsters are free to be themselves."

Violet, Vi, Harper human is good at fixing things. So good that she takes helping everyone seriously. Bookclub, cleaning up at parties, shifts at the food pantry. Nick Wicker, orc, known around town as a pantser knows Vi is his mate. Problem is she hates him as much as she hates fated mates. Only one for the Orc dives heavy into their friendship, partners of convenience and run ins around Claw Haven. Does Vi really hate Nick? How does help her around town? Is there more to their friendship than the benefits? How can Nick convince Vi they are meant for each other? Who helps Nick along the way?

“Find your own things to say,” Chester snapped. “That’s what book club is about! Uncovering secret parts of yourself and trading them with your peers while eating muffins! You need to dig deep. If you like something, find out why. If you don’t like it, find out why. If something makes you think, what do you think about?”

Only one for the Orc is medium to slowly paced, set in an easily digestible world, plot driven with a splash of monster spice. I loved Nick's pantser behavior, but the miscommunication trope was HEAVY! His love and efforts toward making Vi say no and do things for herself was so endearing including ultimately joining book club to get closer to her and become someone she can rely on. This cutesy fantasy may be perfect for cozy fantasy lovers who enjoy fated mates, monster romance, book club settings and the miscommunication trope.

[Nim_reads_a_lot · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is like Hallmark started making monster romance. It’s cute with a cozy small town vibe. Our lovable goofy orc, Nick, is in trouble. He realizes his fated mate is the local bookstore employee but she has made it clear she doesn’t believe in that stuff. She also is very annoyed by Nick who really needs to work on reading social cues. Vi or Violet is a pushover eldest daughter who takes on everything but sets away no time for herself. They somehow find a middle ground and develop a friend’s with benefits situation. The thing is, she doesn’t know about the fated mate thing and he can’t figure out how to say it. It’s a lot of anxious people trying to dance around a truth but can’t let it out.

I really thought this was a cute story and would recommend it for those who like a small town romance, beauty and the beast, fated mates with a twist and men who bake and yearn.

Thanks to the publisher for my copy!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I understand the reasoning for a miscommunication trope, I really do. Because if the main character simply told each other what was on their minds, then the book would be short. But I simply cannot stand it. However, even though I don’t love that trope, I enjoyed the book.

The story itself was great and really fun. I loved all the characters and the cozy small town vibes. The spice was just enough, not overwhelming.

I also didn’t realize this was part of a series and I’m definitely going to go back and read the rest simply because I loved the vibe of the town so much.

[Halina]

Really good - I’m going to read all her other books now!

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m such a sucker for a good cozy fantasy romance, and this one is exactly that. I loved seeing Vi and Nick’s story play out and watching them go from enemies, to friends, to lovers. Perfect character arcs and growth!

[Molly (cosyscholar) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Harlequin and Isabelle Taylor for an e-arc of the Only One for the Orc in exchange for my honest review!

This book was SO much fun!

It is no secret that I absolutely LOVE a good slice of life monster romance book, and this was no exception!

Only One for the Orc follows Nick Wicker, an orc mechanic with a habit of secret baking when he is overwhelmed and stressed. His life has been full of pain and disappointment, from being abandoned by his father, a felon who avoided contact even after he was released to losing his mother at a young age; he has always hid behind a cool facade - using humour to avoid real connection. When in reality he is shy and awkward; from leaving parties as soon as possible and only has one-night stands to avoid further pain. That is, until he stumbles upon his fated mate - someone meant for him.

However, impressions are important and Vi is definitely unimpressed with Nick’s egotistical facade. While talking with her boss about books, at her first event in town, Nick sets his eyes on her for the first time. When he joins a conversation about romance books, he learns that the very last thing Vi wants is to be told she is fated to someone. All the hopes and dreams he thought were about to be answered are immediately torn to shreds.

Vi moved to Claw Haven when her sister’s husband died. She began working in Sweethelm Bookstore and immediately immersed herself in helping EVERYONE. A consummate people pleaser, she never says no to anyone and as a result everyone knows she is the person to come to for help. She is loved by everyone - except Nick, or at least that is what she thinks. After all, how can someone who goes out of his way to goad her actually like her? It wouldn’t be so frustrating if he weren’t so handsome!

When her boss finds himself injured and unable to work; and run the bookclub, Nick seizes his opportunity and swoops into help. Except… Nick doesn’t read. Inevitably, it ends in disaster. However, a batch of apology brownies later and an apology sparks more than just forgiveness. But will their enemies, turned friends with benefits arrangement end in something equally as sweet or will Nick get burnt?


݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. This book features: . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
💚 Fated Mates
🧁 Small Town
📚 Orc x Human Romance
💚 Friends with Benefits
🧁 Secret Baker
📚 “Will it fit?”
💚 Meddlesome Smalltown Vibes
🧁 He Falls First - HARD
📚 Third-Act Break Up
🧁 Miscommunication


. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Playlist. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
💚 Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows
🧁 Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus
📚 Love Song by Sara Bareilles
💚 Just a Girl by No Doubt
🧁 There She Goes by The La’s
📚 Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez
💚 Line Without a Hook by Ricky Montgomery


I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

Initially, I had my doubts about Nick. At first glance he comes across as every ego-centric, meathead character that I typically loathe. However, with time, you learn that he is actually a sweet, gentle giant of an orc with a heart of gold and deeply anxious tendencies. He gives off himbo vibes in the best way possible and reminded me of the Orc version of Dean from Supernatural. The way he took every opportunity to help to ease the burdens Vi was facing had my heart fluttering. I also loved the idea of a big, goofy man loving to bake peach cobbler and fawning over a chunky fluff-ball of a cat.

I found myself relating to Vi, as I do with all overachieving, stressed fmc’s. She has the world on her shoulders and is screaming for someone to help her. She practically screams eldest daughter and her stubborn independence was something I found myself both relating to strongly and also cringing at in sympathy. I also LOVED her love for Jane Austen. As a Pride and Prejudice fan, I can appreciate a fellow Austenite.

The romance between Nick and Vi was sweet, but it definitely leans more towards being a slow burn. Whilst they do begin their friends with benefits arrangement early on in the book - their feeling (or admission of their feelings) doesn’t happen until much later in the book. Nick has spent YEARS secretly pining for Vi, so it takes time for her to catch up to his level and when she does she avoids telling him. The miscommunication trope runs HARD in this book with neither admitting to the other how they feel until after a third act break up (urg I know). That being said, the character development and growth really shines in the buildup which makes for a fantastic romance and an Austen-esq reunion.

While a monster romance, it definitely leans towards the tame end of the genre. The book has some spicier scenes, but they are interspersed throughout the book, and many are fade to black or glossed over. As such, this book is perfect for someone interested in dipping their toe into the monster romance genre.

Apart from the mc’s this book features a colourful array of side characters from the book club, to Duncan and Wyatt (Nick’s boss and co-worker) to Gabby (Vi’s sister) and Chester (Vi’s boss) and OF COURSE Mosey the sweetest, fluffiest boy with wings. I was obsessed with how the side-characters played into ensuring Nick and Vi got together. Chester obviously being the catalyst that threw them together, but also assisting Nick in figuring out Persuasion and his role as leader of the book club, so as not to disappoint Vi again. I loved the town and its eccentricities. While I haven’t read any other books in the Claw Haven series, the townspeople make me want to pick up the other books immediately.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a romance with a sweet, thoughtful, downbad mmc, memorable characters and is looking to venture into the world of monster romance.


. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁. Favourite Quotes ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
💚 “Nick found it hard to talk to people, what with his reputation as a charming young orc who could always be relied on for a joke. But Nick spent most conversations desperately trying to find something entertaining to say, to the point where he usually left parties early.”
🧁 “It wasn’t magical, like many orcs often said. Nick didn’t feel butterflies or golden warmth. It didn’t feel like he was coming home. He took in the new human—long skirt, hair up in a ribbon, smile just a little too tight—and felt like he’d just been punched in the stomach. All of a sudden, he just knew. The same way he could feel fangs poking out from under his lower lip: This was his mate. She was part of his soul. He would be devoted to her forever.”
📚 “The only thing that could make today better is if the Baked Goods Bandit struck again!” Vi laughed. Every once in a while, a table would appear on Main Street, ladened with baked goods. Chocolate cupcakes, blood muffins, lemon squares, seaweed slices. One time, it was macaroons. The sign read “From a Secret Stressed Baker.”
💚”Nick was still staring at her with those big brown eyes. Vi had the horrible thought that if she looked into them too long, she would get lost in them.”
🧁”If she didn’t start liking him soon, he’d have to finally admit the truth: His mate had rejected him. And there was nothing he could do about it.”
📚”It was heaven. It was more than heaven: It was completeness. All this talk about mates, and he finally understood. If seeing her for the first time had been like getting sucker punched, kissing her was like coming home. The relief of collapsing through the front door. Taking your shoes off and falling headfirst onto the couch. Resting, truly resting, for the first time in your life.”
💚”He’d been about to admit something truly stupid: that he’d always been worried that if he got a mate, they wouldn’t like him. That even being mates with someone wouldn’t be enough for them to fall for him.”
🧁”Vi watched his long fingers twist around the handlebar, his rings shining silver in the evening light. She wanted to kiss his palm. She wanted those fingers in her hair. She wanted to tell him she’d never felt so alive with anyone else but him: his ripped clothes and his unruly hair and his too-loud laugh lighting her up inside. Those sweet fangs pressing against her mouth as they kissed.”

[Melanie Gable · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the biggest literary surprise of my year so far. I kind of loved it? 💚💜

When I received this ARC as a free gift with purchase at my favorite local book shop on Bookstore Romance Day, I laughed out loud when I opened the daisy-printed wrapping paper to find…an orc romance? I was certain I wouldn’t read this book, but the cover was adorable and very “Beauty and the Beast”-coded, so I kept an open mind, read the first page…and couldn’t stop.

Author Isabelle Taylor has created a world in which a humanoid dragon can be a harried single mom, a Minotaur owns a flower shop and reads Oprah’s Book Club pics, an incubus can be casually shopping for poppyseed muffins at the grocery store, a werewolf runs an inn with his human wife, and a chimera (who also happens to be a part-time movie star) might serve your coffee at the local cafe. Despite the magical creatures populating Claw Haven, Alaska, this book reads more like a cozy, small town, contemporary romance, and I was totally into it.

Our male protagonist, Nick, is a massive, awkward, obnoxiously funny orc who immediately makes a terrible first impression on the bookish female protagonist, Violet. (Basically Belle, with a people-pleasing complex turned up to 11.) Nick immediately recognizes her as his future mate (apparently an orc thing?) and proceeds to unintentionally insult her and her interests with his wisecracks.

Cut to two years later. Nick is still visiting Vi at the bookstore, trying to win her over and pretty much screwing it up every time. Vi is wildly attracted to him, but hates his personality so much that she refuses to let him see past her customer service persona. She’s too busy to date anyway, as she says “yes” to nearly every favor asked of her.

Of course these opposites can’t resist the chemistry between them, which turns into an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers situation. But Nick wants Vi to like him before he tells her she’s his mate and asks if she wants to be with him. And Vi wants to make sure Nick likes her as more than a friend-with-benefits. Miscommunications abound, as they do in many romance books, before Beauty and The Beast—I mean Nick and Vi—can reach their happily-ever-after.

One of the many things I genuinely enjoyed about this book was the completely casual integration of the mythical creatures. Of course a fae is a bartender and occasionally hooks up with Nick. Of course VI’s boss is an elderly, cantankerous dragon who shuffles around in slippers. Of course the bookstore cat inexplicably has bat-like wings. Why not? It’s the author’s world and I’m just visiting.

And yet there was a realism that made me care about the characters as much as I would in a non-fantasy book. I was touched by Nick’s social anxiety, his baking habit (he’s the town’s anonymous “Baked Goods Bandit” who shares his treats with his neighbors), and his insecurities about being a high school dropout. He was oddly endearing, like the goofy high school jock you eventually find out isn’t as confident as he appears, and maybe even feels like shit about himself most days. Violet, too, was worried that no one would want to spend time with her if she wasn’t always solving their problems, or if she showed hints of her inner wildness.

Nick, like the golden-retriever-style-boyfriend he is, begins to share the load of Violet’s obligations, works through a learning disability to help with her shop’s book club, makes her laugh, and gives her physical pleasure she hasn’t known before. Violet brings him out of his house and into the community, validates his intelligence and competence, supports his baking, and is a romantic, connected intimate partner, which is new for him.

Speaking of intimacy, yes, there are descriptions of orc…um…anatomy, but it wasn’t as strange as I expected? He’s basically just a big guy who happens to be green and well-endowed. 😆 I can’t imagine how these situations work with a dragon or a chimera, but I trust that Isabelle Taylor has it all figured it out in her other books.

The copy I read was a proof, so there were some typos and transition issues that I’m sure will be fixed in the finished version. I also had a bit of trouble placing the time of year of the book. (Maybe I missed it?) They’re in Alaska and it was cold, but some of the characters were only wearing cardigans. And then in another chapter there was snow on the ground, which hadn’t been mentioned before. Was Vi riding her bike in the snow? Was Nick walking around in November wearing a tank top? When did he switch to wearing jackets? Did the elderly dragon have to navigate his wheelchair over patches of ice? Maybe literally no one else asks questions like this, but these details are important to me as a reader so that I can fully immerse myself into the world. I like to know what kind of sensory details the characters are dealing with.

It also bothers me when a romance book ends at the beginning of a relationship, even when there’s an epilogue. That’s not to say this issue is unique to this book, and it doesn’t seem to bother most romance readers. Many of the romance books I’ve read end with a confession or an agreement for the protagonists to finally be together, and I don’t get to see more of the relationship, except maybe a “one year later” epilogue. My issue is: I’ve spent an entire book falling in love with a couple and then it’s just…done? I don’t get to see them on a normal Tuesday, or going on a road trip, or waking up together on a weekend? Maybe that’s being an older reader—I want to see the “real” romance, the actual day-to-day relationship, rather than just the courtship and drama leading up to two characters becoming a couple.

That being said, the epilogue of this book did give me some of what I wanted to see. I just think Nick and Vi are so cute that I would read an entire second novel of them hanging out together as a couple…or at least a novella?

I would definitely read another Isabelle Taylor novel, because this one was adorable.

I’d recommend this book to any romance reader who enjoys:
💚 Golden retriever boyfriends
💚 Men (or orcs) built like Mack trucks
💚 Men (or orcs) who bake
💚 Beautifully bookish FMCs
💚 Romantic comedies
💚 Jane Austen references
💚 Steaminess with a hint of weird
💚 Quirky small towns
💚 Found family
💚 Fantasy characters in the ordinary human world
💚 Cozy vibes

Key to my ratings:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A personal favorite and/or an exemplary, near-perfect book for its genre. Either repaired or broke my heart, or perhaps broke it and then put it back together again? Regardless, my heart is not the same after reading it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A memorable, excellent example of its genre that likely made me cry, laugh out loud, hug the book to my chest, or all of the above.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ An enjoyable read that was possibly a bit flawed or not fully my cup of tea, but still a solidly good book. I would likely recommend it to someone if they liked the genre.
⭐️⭐️ A book I was able to get through, but wasn’t a positive reading experience. Still has merit on some level.
⭐️ I don’t have the attention span to finish one-star books. 😆

[RLbooks (in and out) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, Harlequin, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

2.5 stars rounded up

The emotional beats of this read hit me hard and had me compelled to finish it in one sitting. The core of the story (and the main characters) focuses on being vulnerable and open to yourself and those around you, creating real connection that buoys you. At least that’s what I got from it. As you can imagine though with this type of sensitive self-reflection, the characters get messy. I might be feeling somewhat sensitive myself because I teared up a few times at places in the book, truly feeling the depths of what Nick (H) and Vi (h) were struggling with. I also sometimes wanted to cry with frustration however because misassumptions and miscommunications drag on between these two. This wasn’t wholly my kind of read, but I have friends on here that enjoy more of that angsty, pluck at your heart kind of tension.

As the third book in the series, I do think this stands alone. I haven’t read the earlier books and though there are clearly cameos, I was never lost.

Written in third person, dual POV. Small bit of ow and om drama when their friends with benefits arrangement ends - the H briefly (drunkenly) makes out with a past on and off hook-up and the h goes on a few dates with someone else upon hearing a rumor about a hickey. I felt some big feelings about this turn of events, as friends would imagine I would. Both characters also mention/think about past partners during their first physically intimate scene, not too in depth, but this is another element that’s not my cup of tea at all.

Some tropes/themes:
☆ Fated mates
☆ Orc MMC x human FMC
☆ Mechanic x bookstore employee
☆ FMC hates him after they get off on the wrong foot
☆ MMC caught in a cycle of hope and dejection as he stays on that wrong foot
☆ Small, paranormal town
☆ MMC gets his chance to support the FMC
☆ He’s messy, half-hearted, and a jokester
☆ She’s a people-pleasing helper, hiding her true feelings, and overwhelmed
☆ Friends with benefits
☆ Differently equipped with “will it fit” and stretching
☆ Cozy feel
☆ Secret baking
☆ MMC growing
☆ FMC learning to let go
☆ Adorable winged cat
☆ A book club
☆ Well-meaning townspeople
☆ Third act drama
☆ FMC-specific grand-ish gesture

Nick immediately knows that Vi is his fated mate when they meet at a party. He also happens to realize this as she’s discussing her dislike of fated mate stories with her employer. Nick attempts to be funny and charming, but comes across completely differently to Vi, who instantly dislikes him. As a human, she may be able to feel some pull, but not the way Nick would as an orc. Thus begins a couple years of Nick occasionally attempting to right this wrong impression and digging himself into a deeper hole of possible rejection by his mate. Until, Vi’s employer is injured and Nick offers to take over book club for her. This sets him on the path, minus a huge pothole, of moving their interactions to something friendlier.

Nick and Vi were hard characters for me to wrap my head around. I felt for their flaws and insecurities, while also not understanding why it was so difficult for them to use their voices. Certainly understandable why they couldn’t communicate with each other at the start, but both have others who care about them and neither one asks for help. Nick actually avoids opportunities to get support because of his inner struggles. Their individual growth is hard fought for and slooooooooow with setbacks. I’m also one of those readers that dislikes hiding the fated mate connection when one knows and the other doesn’t, which also doesn’t resolve until late.

The friends with benefits arrangement springs up between them in a surprising way, but does open the door for authentic and endearing relationship development. I was all in for the friendship foundation they built. Also, their first steamy scene was HOT. There are references to other hook-ups between them, but a lull of on page spice until closer to the end. I actually appreciated this because it allowed for the reader to focus on how these two were peeking behind each other’s walls and connecting outside of the bedroom. Still not fully open on the emotional intimacy, but a work in progress.

Lots of small town supporting cast in this one, some that I believe had their own stories. I wasn’t overwhelmed by the number of side characters, it was a lot at times, but rarely was there an entire group on page at once. A few of them gave the appropriate nudges and hints forward for the couple. One side character was frankly confusing for me. I kept waiting for a moment when he was going to step forward and add something substantial and that moment did not come. I understood everyone else’s place pretty much, I don’t know, I assume he’ll get his own story.

The third act had a severe regression relationship-wise and I didn’t love how the miscommunication was used to make Vi and Nick second-guess to then drive the characters forward. I’m very much a “let’s figure this out together” type of romance reader. Both Vi and Nick got to where they needed, the emotional pain hit hard to get them there though. I did like the make-up and the epilogue is very sweet. I’d say this is HEA because they’re fated mates, not because of a particular level of satisfaction with the ending, which is a small leap forward in time. I think another chapter or a little more in the epilogue would have closed this out on a stronger note after the angst right before it.

I did expect this to be slightly less angsty given the cozy vibes. I do think that there’s an audience of monster loving readers who enjoy cozy but want that bit of more drama though. I don’t usually fall in this category so take that in mind with this review please.

[Em Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Only One for the Orc takes the certainty of fated mates and makes room for something far more interesting: choice. Rather than allowing fate to do all the work, Isabelle Taylor asks a different question: what happens when being destined for someone isn’t enough?

For Vi and Nick, the answer lies in learning to actually like one another first.

Their relationship grows through the smaller gestures: showing up, paying attention, sharing burdens and gradually learning to see the person beneath those first impressions. Nick’s respect for Vi as a person, regardless of the fact that she is his fated mate, was one of my favourite aspects of their relationship. Fate may have connected them, but Taylor never uses it as a reason for them to simply fall for one another. They still have to get to know each other, flaws and all, and it’s the accumulation of those smaller moments that makes their relationship so convincing.

And Nick… the seemingly cocky, motorcycle-riding orc who is actually rather vulnerable, occasionally awkward and stress-bakes? There was never going to be much hope of resisting that combination. His humour was brilliant, but discovering the softer person underneath it made him all the more endearing.

Vi struck a surprisingly personal chord too. She is endlessly giving and so accustomed to putting everybody else’s needs before her own that her generosity gradually becomes something people simply expect from her. There was something painfully familiar in how, over time, being the one everyone has come to depend upon can become expected. The more Vi gives, the easier it becomes for those around her to forget that she shouldn’t always have to.

Nick and Vi also begin to find more of themselves through knowing each other. So much is conveyed through the smaller things: noticing when something needs doing, stepping in without being asked, or simply being there when it matters. Their relationship becomes as much about who they are becoming as it is about finding their way to each other, and that made the romance all the more satisfying.

Then there’s Claw Haven itself. The bookstore, book group, baked goods, community activities and collection of supernatural side characters give the whole story such a warm sense of place. The community never feels like merely a backdrop to the romance either; it’s part of what makes these characters and their lives feel so complete.

And, of course, Mosley.

Sweethelm Bookstore has a resident flying cat, Vi and Nick both adore him, and frankly, that’s all anyone really needs to know. Mosley deserves his own book.

The humour throughout was genuinely brilliant too. There were so many moments that made me laugh, but the comedy never takes away from the more vulnerable parts of the story. They sit comfortably alongside one another, which made spending time with these characters incredibly easy.

Only One for the Orc has all the ingredients of a fun, cosy monster romance, but beneath them is also a story about boundaries, vulnerability, community, learning who you are outside of other people’s expectations, and the difference between being destined for someone and actively choosing them.

Because perhaps fate can bring two people together, but it’s all those small choices afterwards that make it love.

A thoroughly deserved five stars.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only One For The Orc is the third book in the Claw Haven series: a group of interconnected stand-alone romances. I did not realize this is the 3rd book in the Claw Haven series until part was through. I do plan to read the other books in the series now but do think Only One For The Orc can be read fully on its own.

Nick finally found his fated mate, Vi (short for Violet), however, as a socially awkward orc, he absolutely fumbles his first conversation with Vi. Nick overhears Vi say she doesn’t like romance books about fated mates and she’s not totally sold on fated mates as a trope or in real life. Vi reveals she wants someone to fall in love with her because of her personality, not because fate told them. Nick knows at this point he can’t introduce himself to Vi and tell her they are fated. Instead, Nick fails brutally at being charming by teasing Violet about her book choices followed by admitting he doesn’t read. After more awkward fumbling conversation, and spilling his beer on her, Vi obviously really doesn’t like Nick. Honestly, who can blame her? I certainly would get the ick if a guy who doesn’t even read books shamed me.

2 years later, Nick is still incapable of making normal small talk with Vi. Nick hides his real feelings and personality behind a facade that oozes toxic masculinity. At this point, I truly do not have high hopes for myself ever rooting for this romance.

My early doubts about Nick start to diminish as an emergency at the book shop allows Nick to genuinely be helpful to Vi, and opens a window for him to continue as Vi and Nick become friends. Both characters experience a lot of positive growth. Nick slowly goes from hiding behind a macho mask to showing everyone that he is secretly shy and sweeter than the peach cobbler he stress bakes. Vi lets herself relax a bit more, and allows herself to say no when she is stretched too thin. In the end, I was fully rooting for the romance.

One of my few complaints about the book is that despite being located in Alaska, Claw Haven does not act like a place that sees regular significant snowfall. This story takes place over a number of months; however, the weather always seems good. Vi even mentions that Nick rides his motorcycle all through the winter, which, given Alaska’s snowfalls, would be near impossible. I felt like Claw Haven was written with a more temperate setting in mind. This may feel insignificant to some readers but every mention of Alaska really pulled me from the story.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a cute, cozy romance with two main characters who make each other better.

Thank you, Harlequin, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Franky · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐

(+) :
- The premise of "book girly doesn't believe in fated mates so man who discovers he’s her mate doesn't tell her" was a fun one. It led to some really annoying moments of miscommunication, but it was a cute catalyst for the plot and for the characters’ struggles.
- I liked the book club group, especially Rosie, the woman that Nick helps out with errands. They seem to all really care about each other including Nick and Vi.
Claw Have is cute. I’m glad there was a map. I felt the idea of this being a small, tight-knit town with a cast of kooks.
- The concept of rejection sickness was a fun wrinkle.
- This title isn’t anything terribly special, but the alliteration is cute.

(-) :
- For being friends with benefits we avoid seeing them sleep together again for a very long time. It was really bizarre and also…strangely chaste? I’m not saying that every time they talked about it we needed an explicit scene, but it’s just…a really long swath of time before we even really see them kiss again.
- To be honest, I found both characters prreeetttyyy annoying. Nick was not funny despite his whole deal being having humor as a defense mechanism and being known as charming (not a himbo, even). Vi was also oddly selfish and entitled to other people’s time without allowing people hers (her sister mentions this but it’s never circled back to). I *kind of* got them together, but their chemistry from a romantic, not sexual, standpoint didn’t really align to me.
- There should have been more scenes with Nick and Chester, since Chester is his main means of learning how to enjoy reading and how to get close to Vi (and mates in general). Though, to be honest, I found Chester to be deeply unpleasant, so I wanted this more in concept OR if we saw Chester grow as a person, too.
- It was really weird that she gets so oddly jealous that he’s “stealing” her volunteer opportunities. She knew about it? He talked to her about it? Why was this a point of contention.
- The miscommunication of it all in the end with them overhearing the other say some dumb shit was exhausting. BOTH of them had to do it? Chill
- I think this cover is way too busy. It’s not a style that I gravitate towards, either. I also don’t love the way that Nick looks, personally.


WILL I READ THE NEXT ONE? : Maybe. Depends on who the next lead characters are.

(HOW LONG) DO I THINK THEY’LL STAY TOGETHER? : Well it’s the fated mates of it all isn’t it.

*Thank you to Harlequin & Netgalley for providing this ARC!


SIMILAR BOOKS :
- 'A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon' by Sarah Hawley
- 'Grim and Bear It' by Juliette Cross
- 'Meet Cute Magic' by Morgan Elizabeth

[ElfElm Publishing · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Only One for the Orc" was a cute paranormal romance. In this version of the world, monsters coexist with humans and everyone goes about their lives. Orcs, Dragons, Chimeras, Hedgehogs (yes, Hedgehog people), Fae, etc. 

MMC Nick is an orc, who's a mechanic and a secret stress baker (love that so much) and he's living with another big secret: he's found his fated mate but he's scared to tell her because he heard her disparaging the fated mate trope. 

FMC Vi is a bookstore co-owner and yes-girl. She always agrees to help the other townspeople, even at the expense of her own free time and sanity. She's also not Nick's biggest fan from their first impression, and then thinks he's smug and always making fun of her because he cracks jokes all the time and acts cocky.

Miscommunication and lack of communication are the names of the game here. They're not my favorite tropes, but the author makes them work. Misunderstanding runs amok between our main couple. Nick finally explains that he's nervous and just wants to make her laugh, and she realizes that he isn't being a jerk, just trying to be funny in a socially awkward way. He's an orc oaf around her because he doesn't know how to act. She's his secret fated mate, there aren't any guidelines for that. 

Nick is very sweet, taking on more and more of Vi's responsibilities to give her time to breathe and relax. Their relationship gets stronger and stronger even though neither wants to be the first to admit they have feelings beyond friends with benefits. Meanwhile I'm glaring at my kindle wanting them to just have an honest conversation and say what they're thinking! LOL. 

I appreciated the side characters. The way they support the mains and help them with the mission of true love! Definitely checked the box for meddlesome small town vibes... In the best way!

It's a romcom, so obviously we get a happy ending for our main couple. Third act breakup, womp womp, but that's a popular trope unfortunately. Regardless, the book is pretty stinking cute, and both characters show growth--individually and together. The writing is excellent and the author packs humor into every situation. Both characters are relatable and believable, even though one is an orc :) I enjoyed the world building and would definitely read more in this series of interconnected standalones!

There's also a monster gallery in the back with artwork and explanations of the different kinds of creatures, which was cool to see. 

Tropes: Monster Romance, Small Town, Fated Mates, Spice, He Falls First and Harder, Rivals to Friends to Friends With Benefits to Lovers, Size Difference, Third Act Breakup

Thanks so much for the ARC! :)

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two years ago, orc Nick Wicker met his fated mate, human, Violet “Vi” Harper, too bad she made it crystal clear that she didn’t believe in fated mates, and she thought Nick was annoying. He doesn’t accept rejection immediately and tries his best to make her like him, but as the time passes, he begins to lose hope. But when the owner of the bookshop that Vi works at is injured and can’t host the weekly book club, Nick sees his chance to impress Violet and offers to host the book club. Too bad he isn’t much of a reader and at the first meeting it becomes clear that he didn’t finish the book, which causes normally calm and collected Violet to yell at him and tell him to leave. Thinking all is lost, Nick makes a final attempt at winning her over by apologizing and to his absolute shock, she not only accepts, she kisses him! Could this be the opening he needs to finally convince her she is his mate?

Violet Harper moved to Claw Haven two years ago when her sister Gabrielle's husband was killed in an accident. She found a job working at the local bookstore that is owned by Chester, a very grumpy dragon, but Violet seems to thrive in chaos and doesn't know how to say No to anyone – other than Nic Wicker, the orc that everyone finds charming. But when Chester is injured and there is no way Violet can run his book club, she (ungraciously)accepts Nick offer to help. She is sure he is just trying to annoy her (as usual), so when he shows up unprepared, she flips out on him and tells him leave. She then feels bad and is shocked when he comes back to apologize and kisses him. Not only that but suggests they have a friends with benefits affair. But when feelings start to get deeper, old fears may tear them apart before they can see that they are meant to be.

I enjoyed returning to Claw Haven and was delighted to catch up with the previous characters and getting to know Violet and Nick. This story was your typical enemies to lovers & miscommunication romance, but it was anything but typical. Nick is keeping big secrets, and Violet has her own issues, but the chemistry between them is obvious and you can't help but want them to find their happy ending. If you like a romantasy with great characters, spicy love scenes, secrets, lots of books & baked goods, more than one grumpy dragon, lots of witty banter, and sweet declaration scenes – this book is for you. This is the third book in the series but could easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an DRC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

[Demetria Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy Late Publication Day to “Only one for the Orc” (25/08)💕 Thank you so much to Harlequin and NetGalley for this arc 💕

Oh this was just delightful! I loved the first book in this series and I think I love this one even more!

“Only one for the orc” is a story of a dorky mechanic and best secret baker in town, who spectacularly fails to impress his fated mate on their first encounter, pisses her off even more while trying to look cool, and then spends the rest of the book trying to figure out how to salvage the sinking ship, show bookseller Vi he is not an ass and actually cares about her and friends-to-lovers her into liking him enough to not laugh in his face once he gets to revealing that she’s his fated mate. Any questions?

Well, I forgot to mention Vi hates “fated mates” trope, thinks he can’t take anything seriously is so busy she can’t even take a second for herself because she’s a people-pleaser.

And somehow I didn’t spoil too much 😂 Gosh, this book was so fun! Nick was such a cinnamon roll, who tried so hard to win Vi’s heart. He’s caring nature made him an absolute legend and an amazing friend! I loved how his attempts at helping Vi and taking over some of her duties actually helped him grow and become a part of Claw Heaven’s community. And yes, Nick was a bit emotionally constipated but that was fully understandable as he just didn’t want to be hurt. Behind all these green muscles was hiding a softie who just didn’t want to feel alone. I’m a big fan of Nick, won’t lie to you.

Vi was a great female character- helpful, kind, with deeply hidden need for a bit of an adrenaline rush. I adore how much she cared about her sister Gabriella (finally someone with my name!) and all of her friends. She was ready to drop everything just to help a person in need, and I think that was very sweet. I did get a bit confused with how quickly she asked Nick to be F buddies but then again, she clearly had a bit of a edge to her personality and I love that!

Third act miscommunication trope annoyed me, as it always does, but because the yearning was so intense between them, it just made me FEEL more and stress out about the happiness of these two!

Once again, I want to mention all the side characters in this book because all of them were so charismatic, it just made me want to send a message to the author to BEG her to write a book for each and every one of them.

To conclude, I absolutely adore this series and love Isabelle Taylor’s writing! I need to catch up with reading “Christmas with a Chimera” as soon as possible because tell me WHY I thought “Only one for the orc” is a second book in this series 😂

[Nicole (literary_nics) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My introduction to Claw Haven arrived via one grumpy dragon's bad back, an orc mechanic who bakes when he's stressed, and a heroine having absolutely none of the fated mates nonsense.

Vi Harper runs about sixty percent of Claw Haven, Alaska on spite and competence. The bookstore, the volunteer roster, everyone else's crisis of the week, all Vi's problem, always. Then her dragon boss Chester throws his back out and in walks Nick Wicker, orc mechanic, professional menace, secret softie who bakes when he's stressed. Nick takes one look at Vi and clocks her as his fated mate. Vi takes one look at "fate" and says absolutely not. What follows is apology brownies, a friends-with-benefits arrangement that fools literally nobody, and Nick spending the rest of the book trying to win a woman who will not be won by destiny alone.

Chester is the actual main character of this book and I will not be taking questions. That surly dragon and Nick's back-and-forth carried more chemistry in places than the central romance did, and I mean that as the highest compliment. Vi's outright refusal to just accept "the bond says so" also earns real points, because it means Nick has to work for it instead of coasting on magic, and watching a cocky orc get quietly wrecked by a skeptic is deeply satisfying. Also he bakes when he's stressed. Give me the emotionally constipated stress-baking orc every time.

Here's my issue. For a book about a woman who is exhausted from being needed by everyone, the plot needed her to actually slow down and it kept letting her off the hook instead. Chester's injury sets up a forced proximity premise and then barely cashes it in. The friends-with-benefits phase resolves into declarations faster than the tension earned. And the "grumpy skeptic meets golden retriever menace, mate bond mandatory" formula is one I've seen sharper elsewhere in the genre, so this entry needed a little more to make it feel distinct. I wanted one more real gut-punch before the landing and instead got a fairly tidy one.

Trope Chaos Check

✨ Fated mates (Vi did NOT consent to this plotline and honestly, feels valid)
✨ Enemies to lovers (more "actively irritated" to lovers, but I'll allow it)
✨ Friends with benefits (an arrangement fooling absolutely no one, least of all Nick)
✨ Forced proximity (courtesy of one very injured dragon)
✨ Small-town cozy fantasy (Claw Haven, where everyone's business is everyone's business)

★★★☆☆ solid orc, underbaked plot, Chester deserved his own spinoff.

Huge thank you to Libro.fm for the ALC. Getting to say yes to "cozy orc romance" as an actual job responsibility never stops being funny to me.

[Dotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

Only One for the Orc is a very fun fantasy romance novel set in Claw Haven, Alaska, between Vi, a bookseller who volunteers for everything, and Nick, an orc who stress bakes. Two years ago, Nick saw Vi from across the room and knew she was his fated mate; it’s too bad that she clearly hated him at first sight. Vi and Nick have undeniable chemistry, but both have their hang-ups and struggle to believe they’re worthy of love. Our couple goes through ups and downs, baked goods and books, to discover if they like each other under all the confusion.

This book was so cute and so well done. The story uses Jane Austen’s Persuasion as a template, which is effective in the context of the book. Nick has spent years yearning for Vi, unable to understand what he could do better to engage with her; Vi is convinced all of Nick’s efforts are a game to mock and belittle her. Once the two clear up that miscommunication, we see Nick constantly put Vi’s needs ahead of her own, and Vi learns to be vulnerable and encourage Nick, too. The two struggle with their own preconceived notions about what the other person wants from the relationship, and there’s some miscommunication that happens. Generally miscommunication drives me nuts, but it really worked for me here. The dynamic probably means they could benefit from some therapy, but it makes for a great third act conflict.

I flew through this book and really struggled to put it down. It was engaging and exciting, and the yearning was so excellent. Nick has spent years studying Vi from afar, and his understanding of her is really lovely. They fall into a stereotypical dumb jock/smart bookworm dynamic but manage to subvert it throughout.

The book was explicit, with multiple scenes of multiple pages in length. The romance is grouped in the monster romance category because of Nick’s orc nature, which basically just means there’s extensive description about the size of his genitals and how to make intercourse comfortable.

If you’re looking for an excellent romance, with lots of literally references and great chemistry, this book is a great one to pick. I’ll definitely have to go back to read Taylor’s other book in the series.

This book was provided to me by Harlequin in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, technically this is the second book in a series and somehow, I missed that. However, you can definitely read this book without having read the first. There is a little world building that might be missed, but I feel like the author does a really good job of developing the story. That development makes it really easy to get sucked into the story without feeling like you're missing out because you didn't read the first book. I liked the romance in this novel even though a big part of the book was miscommunication. And I normally hate the miscommunication trope, but in this case, I actually thought it was cute.

The tension between Vi and Nick was spicy spicy, well not at first. At first there's a little bit of Nick teasing Vi or appearing to tease Violet all the time. Really, he's just a nervous boy who thinks pulling hair is flirting. I really liked that Nick seemed to be a jock boy, but really, he was a nervous cinnamon roll. I also liked that at first he really didn't like reading which is a problem because Violet works at the local bookstore and loves books. But Nick finds that if he reads out loud or listens to audiobooks he also really loves reading. I liked the inclusion of a character who finds ways to enjoy their partners hobby. I thought that was so sweet. I also loved how much he noticed Violet would help everyone in the world but never help herself. He would give up parts of his week or weekend to take on tasks for her so she could have time for herself. True partnership right there.

This was a cute book, but I could have actually done with more spice. They start with a friends with benefits situation that last several weeks in the book. There is a lot of focus on them building their relationship and questioning if the other person like likes them. That part I could have gone without. There was so much of them in their heads about how the other person feels. More sexy time and less of that please. Also, if there is a next book in the series, I hope it focuses either on Joshua from the book club or Jasper the kind of greasy vampire. He had depth.

I would recommend this book, especially if you like a spicy monster book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Romance for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Raven · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

For me, this book was just okay. I’m not someone who normally reads cozy romances, so I thought I’d give the genre a try, and this definitely delivers on the cozy romance criteria. We have a cute small town, funny and wholesome moments, a bookish setting (which I especially enjoyed!), and a romance that builds nicely with some sweet moments and good banter. It made for a very easy read.

There were a few things that impacted my enjoyment, though. First, the miscommunication trope. I don’t necessarily mind miscommunication when it isn’t the main source of conflict, but unfortunately, that’s a big part of the conflict in this book. It became especially frustrating toward the end and made the eventual resolution feel less satisfying.

I had mixed feelings about both of our main characters. Vi was relatable in some ways, especially with her people-pleasing tendencies and her constant need to help everyone around her. However, I felt like her character development was sometimes lacking, and some of her choices and actions became frustrating.

And then there’s Nick. 😂 I really did not like him at first. I didn’t find his humour funny and, honestly, I experienced a LOT of secondhand embarrassment whenever he talked. Eventually, he grew on me, much like he grew on Vi, but unfortunately, by that point I was already struggling to become invested in their romance. The conflict and eventual resolution just didn’t quite give me the payoff I wanted.

Overall, this was an okay read for me. I enjoyed stepping outside my usual reading comfort zone and trying something different, and I can definitely see why readers love the cozy romance elements. It just ultimately wasn’t a genre or story that completely worked for me.

That said, if you’re looking for a cute, cozy, easy romance and want to try something a little different (with an ORC MMC) this could definitely be worth picking up!

The audiobook was good. The narrator did a great job with the character voices and adding inflection to the dialogue. I think my enjoyment of the audiobook was somewhat impacted by the fact that I wasn’t particularly invested in the characters, but overall, it was a solid performance.

Thank you to Libro.fm for providing me with an audio ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍰 Fated Mates
🍰 Opposites Attract
🍰 Friends with Benefits
🍰 He Falls First

Violet is a people pleaser who has dedicated most of her own time to other people and prioritising the people around her and not herself ( even when she really needs a break). I found Violet to be extremely relatable, and she contrasted to Nick beautifully. Nick is on the surface exactly what everyone expects, he’s loud and puts his foot in his mouth quite often, but deep down he’s anxious about trying to not stand out, while also really wanting to belong.

I liked that Nick respected Vi’s boundaries and ensured that she wouldn’t feel pressured by the mate bond after hearing her viewpoint on fated mates. Nick was not what I was expecting in the best way, he was a bit of a goofy jokester but had a lot of layers hiding who he really was, and I related strongly to baking up a storm while stressed.

Nick and Vi were such a good dislike to friends to lovers and I really enjoyed the way that they slowly began to warm up to each other and how Nick took on a lot of responsibilities to ensure Violet had some downtime all to herself. Nick and Violet really did bring the best out of each other, and I liked that it wasn’t an insta love fated mates' story, they really worked at their relationship before making any big commitments.

This was such a nice quick and easy to read story and I immediately downloaded the first book onto my kindle after finishing book 2 because I needed to read more in this world. My only dislike was the third act of the book as I’m not a huge miscommunication trope girlie and there were some miscommunications between Nick and Vi that had me taking a break before coming back and finishing their story.

If you’re after a nice cozy fantasy romance mood read this is 100% worth checking out, I will now be adding more of Isabelle Taylor’s work to my tbr and fingers crossed we will have more stories in this world because all of the side characters were so loveable and I need more content asap.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the arc in exchange for an honest review.