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Pumpkin Spiced Orc
I came home for the funeral.
Not for him.
But there he is. Six-and-a-half feet of tusked, broody orc muscle, standing in my family’s orchard like he’s the last pumpkin on the vine—and somehow, mine to pick.
Everyone says he’s dangerous. Cursed. Untouchable.
Which is exactly why I can’t stop touching him.
He growls. I sass.
He broods. I smirk.
He says stay away. I show up with cider and attitude.
Now the whole town thinks I’ve lost my mind.
They’re right. Because I’m about to let the spooky orc next door ruin me against a barrel of apples …
And I can’t wait.
Read on for tusked obsession, spooky-season heat, forbidden orchard kisses, and a heroine who refuses to play nice when the orc looks that good in flannel. HEA Guaranteed!
Not for him.
But there he is. Six-and-a-half feet of tusked, broody orc muscle, standing in my family’s orchard like he’s the last pumpkin on the vine—and somehow, mine to pick.
Everyone says he’s dangerous. Cursed. Untouchable.
Which is exactly why I can’t stop touching him.
He growls. I sass.
He broods. I smirk.
He says stay away. I show up with cider and attitude.
Now the whole town thinks I’ve lost my mind.
They’re right. Because I’m about to let the spooky orc next door ruin me against a barrel of apples …
And I can’t wait.
Read on for tusked obsession, spooky-season heat, forbidden orchard kisses, and a heroine who refuses to play nice when the orc looks that good in flannel. HEA Guaranteed!
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2025
60 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 28, 2025
"Pumpkin Spiced Orc" is a captivating romantic fantasy that masterfully blends the small-town return trope with deep-rooted magic and an evocative sense of place. From the outset, readers are drawn into Embervale, a town imbued with memory and restless secrets, where the orchard itself feels alive—breathing, whispering, and remembering.
At its core, the story features Ivy, a sharp and restless protagonist who reluctantly returns home after her father’s death. She inherits land she never desired, weighed down by her past and strained family relationships. Ivy’s voice is biting, sarcastic, yet deeply human, making her moments of vulnerability profoundly impactful. Counterbalancing her is Garruk, the stoic, loyal, and quietly intense orc caretaker whose presence is as deeply rooted as the orchard itself. He carries both physical scars and an emotional bond to the land that initially eludes Ivy.
The alternating perspectives of Ivy and Garruk establish a powerful rhythm, revealing not only their simmering tension but also their differing perceptions of the orchard—one sees a burden, the other a living legacy. This interplay of attraction, resentment, and unspoken history fuels a compelling slow-burn romance that culminates in tender and raw emotional breakthroughs.
Beyond the romance, the novel excels in crafting a living, breathing setting. The orchard transcends a mere backdrop, becoming a character in its own right, whispering Ivy’s name, bending branches toward her, and blooming out of season as if demanding she acknowledge her inherent bond. The fusion of folklore, elemental magic, and gothic atmosphere renders Embervale both enchanted and unsettling.
What truly distinguishes the narrative is its emotional depth. The story skillfully balances grief, inheritance, and unresolved relationships with humour and sharp dialogue. Ivy’s sarcasm grounds the tone, while Garruk’s brooding presence adds weight and longing. Together, they navigate an inevitable yet challenging romance, rooted in choice, sacrifice, and the haunting question of whether Ivy will embrace or reject her inherited legacy.
Overall, "Pumpkin Spiced Orc" is a lush, immersive romance with autumnal settings, gothic fantasy, and the push-pull dynamics of enemies-to-lovers stories. It's witty, sensual, and rich in atmosphere, offering a love story that explores themes of place and belonging as much as it does two people rediscovering each other.
Try it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
At its core, the story features Ivy, a sharp and restless protagonist who reluctantly returns home after her father’s death. She inherits land she never desired, weighed down by her past and strained family relationships. Ivy’s voice is biting, sarcastic, yet deeply human, making her moments of vulnerability profoundly impactful. Counterbalancing her is Garruk, the stoic, loyal, and quietly intense orc caretaker whose presence is as deeply rooted as the orchard itself. He carries both physical scars and an emotional bond to the land that initially eludes Ivy.
The alternating perspectives of Ivy and Garruk establish a powerful rhythm, revealing not only their simmering tension but also their differing perceptions of the orchard—one sees a burden, the other a living legacy. This interplay of attraction, resentment, and unspoken history fuels a compelling slow-burn romance that culminates in tender and raw emotional breakthroughs.
Beyond the romance, the novel excels in crafting a living, breathing setting. The orchard transcends a mere backdrop, becoming a character in its own right, whispering Ivy’s name, bending branches toward her, and blooming out of season as if demanding she acknowledge her inherent bond. The fusion of folklore, elemental magic, and gothic atmosphere renders Embervale both enchanted and unsettling.
What truly distinguishes the narrative is its emotional depth. The story skillfully balances grief, inheritance, and unresolved relationships with humour and sharp dialogue. Ivy’s sarcasm grounds the tone, while Garruk’s brooding presence adds weight and longing. Together, they navigate an inevitable yet challenging romance, rooted in choice, sacrifice, and the haunting question of whether Ivy will embrace or reject her inherited legacy.
Overall, "Pumpkin Spiced Orc" is a lush, immersive romance with autumnal settings, gothic fantasy, and the push-pull dynamics of enemies-to-lovers stories. It's witty, sensual, and rich in atmosphere, offering a love story that explores themes of place and belonging as much as it does two people rediscovering each other.
Try it.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2025
I picked up Pumpkin Spiced Orc by Zora Black because I was curious—an orc romance? That’s not something I’ve read before! My partner plays Orks in Warhammer, so lately I’ve been surrounded by orc clips and audiobook voices. Reading this, I immediately heard it in those same tones, which made the whole experience unexpectedly fun.
The premise is simple but effective: a heroine returns home, reconnects with the mysterious orc everyone warns her about, and sparks fly among pumpkins, cider, and autumn nights. It’s basically a classic small-town romance, just with tusks, flannel, and orchard heat.
For me, this read more like a cozy seasonal treat than a book I’ll think about long after finishing. It doesn’t reinvent the romance genre, but it doesn’t need to. The charm lies in how it embraces fall tropes and spices them up with fantasy.
If you want something festive, flirty, and fast-paced to get you in the autumn mood, this is a fun pick. Just don’t expect deep lore or heavy worldbuilding—it’s here for vibes, banter, and seasonal fun.
The premise is simple but effective: a heroine returns home, reconnects with the mysterious orc everyone warns her about, and sparks fly among pumpkins, cider, and autumn nights. It’s basically a classic small-town romance, just with tusks, flannel, and orchard heat.
For me, this read more like a cozy seasonal treat than a book I’ll think about long after finishing. It doesn’t reinvent the romance genre, but it doesn’t need to. The charm lies in how it embraces fall tropes and spices them up with fantasy.
If you want something festive, flirty, and fast-paced to get you in the autumn mood, this is a fun pick. Just don’t expect deep lore or heavy worldbuilding—it’s here for vibes, banter, and seasonal fun.
September 12, 2025
IVY has come home to an orchard she left years before. Standing there is the male who broke her.
GARRUK is an orc who is tied to the land. He had kept secrets from Ivy. Now those secrets are slowly revealing themselves.
Unfortunately Ivy feels like she's been lied to Scott everything. She leaves.
Will she return to Garruk and the land. Can they accept each other and their faults?
A fascinating story that deals with old magic and love!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
GARRUK is an orc who is tied to the land. He had kept secrets from Ivy. Now those secrets are slowly revealing themselves.
Unfortunately Ivy feels like she's been lied to Scott everything. She leaves.
Will she return to Garruk and the land. Can they accept each other and their faults?
A fascinating story that deals with old magic and love!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 6, 2025
inconsistencies in just the first two chapters
Within the first two chapters, there was inconsistencies with what was said in the first chapter compared to what was said in the second chapter. Do you not read your previous chapter before you write the second one? Didn’t even finish it. I don’t have time to correct someone else’s books in my head to make it make sense.
Within the first two chapters, there was inconsistencies with what was said in the first chapter compared to what was said in the second chapter. Do you not read your previous chapter before you write the second one? Didn’t even finish it. I don’t have time to correct someone else’s books in my head to make it make sense.
September 11, 2025
The author has given us a heart pounding story that pulls us into the lives of Ivy and Garruk. The story keeps us turning the pages with ancient magic, suspense, fears, secrets, revelations and steam.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2025
Always love seeing new books from this author and always enjoy the green guys. This is Ivy and Garruk's tale and although short, it's packed with emotion and all the feels we love from such characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2025
An Orchard and an Orc
She didn't want to come back and she couldn't wait to leave not knowing she had a connection to the orchard. Throughout the book she hemmed and hawed as to stay or go. The angst she felt depended on the orc, but once they got together, they got their HEA.
She didn't want to come back and she couldn't wait to leave not knowing she had a connection to the orchard. Throughout the book she hemmed and hawed as to stay or go. The angst she felt depended on the orc, but once they got together, they got their HEA.
October 27, 2025
Tugs you along!
I know, weird heading. But it s like it grabs you by the hand and tugs you along. I really enjoyed this and hope for more.
I know, weird heading. But it s like it grabs you by the hand and tugs you along. I really enjoyed this and hope for more.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews