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Leafshire Cove Monsters #4
When the Merchant Met the Orc
She wants a contract. He wants kisses.
Although she battles loneliness, Rychell is determined to grow her spice business and raise her adopted pixie son in peace. Love is off the table—her tumultuous childhood taught her that marriage isn't for her. So when the town herald announces that a prominent trader is seeking a wife who can treat marriage like a business deal, Rychell knows this is the opportunity she’s been waiting for.
Halvard the Orc has only ever had eyes for Rychell. When he hears she needs a guard for a journey to the port town, he volunteers without hesitation. His plan? Keep her safe—and finally win her heart. But Rychell’s walls are higher than he’d expected, and as danger brews along the road and attraction simmers between them, Halvard starts to realize this mission might require more than brute strength.
She’s all plans and practicality. He’s passion and persistence. It’ll take more than muscle and charm to break through her walls, but Halvard has never backed down from a challenge. Especially not one that smells like cinnamon and a potential forever mate.
Tropes/
spicy
bodyguard romance
mate marks
magical familiars
mischievous fairies
single mother
chasing instinct
found family
she's reluctant to love
he falls first
flying on a broom
Halloween festival vibes
small town
standalone novel
Each of the spicy cozy fantasy romances in the Leafshire Cove Monsters series is a standalone set in the same small town. They're perfect for fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, The Spellshop, and Legends and Lattes. You can read them in any order. Escape into this sweet and spicy world of cottages, spells, and handsome monsters today!
Although she battles loneliness, Rychell is determined to grow her spice business and raise her adopted pixie son in peace. Love is off the table—her tumultuous childhood taught her that marriage isn't for her. So when the town herald announces that a prominent trader is seeking a wife who can treat marriage like a business deal, Rychell knows this is the opportunity she’s been waiting for.
Halvard the Orc has only ever had eyes for Rychell. When he hears she needs a guard for a journey to the port town, he volunteers without hesitation. His plan? Keep her safe—and finally win her heart. But Rychell’s walls are higher than he’d expected, and as danger brews along the road and attraction simmers between them, Halvard starts to realize this mission might require more than brute strength.
She’s all plans and practicality. He’s passion and persistence. It’ll take more than muscle and charm to break through her walls, but Halvard has never backed down from a challenge. Especially not one that smells like cinnamon and a potential forever mate.
Tropes/
spicy
bodyguard romance
mate marks
magical familiars
mischievous fairies
single mother
chasing instinct
found family
she's reluctant to love
he falls first
flying on a broom
Halloween festival vibes
small town
standalone novel
Each of the spicy cozy fantasy romances in the Leafshire Cove Monsters series is a standalone set in the same small town. They're perfect for fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, The Spellshop, and Legends and Lattes. You can read them in any order. Escape into this sweet and spicy world of cottages, spells, and handsome monsters today!
258 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2025
52 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Lila Appleton
5 books85 followersLila Appleton is a spicy cozy pen name for Alisha Klapheke. She lives in a small Tennessee town where she does yoga with her cats and drinks more tea than anyone should be capable of consuming. You can also find her on IG @authorlilaappleton or @alishaklapheke. The Leafshire Cove Monsters series are all standalone cozy monster fantasy romance novels that are short, low stakes, and spicy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 25, 2025
When the Merchant Met the Orc is book 4 in the Leafshire Cove Monsters series - a cozy monster romance
Rychell is a single mother to an adopted pixie son, and she is not looking for love after her parents disastrous marriage. As luck would have it, she finds an ad for a man seeking a wife as a business deal instead of a love match. Rychell plans to visit this trader, as well as the wonderful spice market, and negotiate this marriage of convenience. Halvard the orc offers to escort Rychell on her travels, since there have been attacks on travelers, and he hopes to win her heart with the alone time traveling offers, as he has had his eye on her for a long time. Will Rychell choose the loveless contract marriage, or will Halvard be able to appeal to her heart and give her a love match?
I loved Halvard's character in this story. While he would like to have a romantic relationship with Rychell, he is also happy to just be her friend and give her the space she needs. Rychell, while it is understanding not wanting to fall in love when you expect it to end badly, I feel her constant resistance, even when she starts to have feelings for Halvard, is an annoying part of her character. She admits she is attracted to Halvard, and even imagines a life with him, but continues to resist the pull. Halvard's cousin Magnus and his wife Aila are such wonderful characters. Both extremely blunt, with Aila going into a lot of detail about Orc mating traditions, and Magnus flat out asking Rychell why she won't date Halvard! I also find it amusing how Halvard tries to not show that he is upset when Rychell is meeting with Master Osric, her potential husband. Halvard tries, but still ends up snapping a spoon in half, then tries to play it off saying "They don't make them like they used to."
The little cherub fairy, Fiorella, she is also an amusing addition!
As much as Rychell resists though, Halvard does manage to start breaking down her anti-romance walls, but will he manage to do it in time, before she signs the contract with Osric? You will just have to read to find out!
Some fav quotes:
"A hint of coppery hair, the color of his beard shows on his large pectoral muscles, and I swallow, trying not to stare. I don't want to get carried away. It's one thing to look and enjoy; it's quite another to ogle like a fool."
"Blessed stones she smells amazing. I long to lick my way from her toes to her pretty head. I adjust my trousers and thank the stones that humans can't scent arousal like orcs."
"A shiver travels down my body. Something about a male this big talking to me like this has the less practical side of me preening."
"His scent of whisky and soap envelops me, and heat pools low in my belly. I chew my lip and try to stop breathing completely."
"My desire for Rychell overcame every thought in my head, and I dragged my tusks over her door to mark it against other creatures entering. Like she's my mate. I must have been completely mad with lust; I don't even remember doing it."
"He has to be the most handsome monster ever born. Potent, male, and at ease with brazenly showing off his form."
"Archer gives us a sly smile. "You two must be lucky to earn the attention of a cherub fairy. Her attention is a blessing, I hear." "She's a pervert," I say laughing."
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
Rychell is a single mother to an adopted pixie son, and she is not looking for love after her parents disastrous marriage. As luck would have it, she finds an ad for a man seeking a wife as a business deal instead of a love match. Rychell plans to visit this trader, as well as the wonderful spice market, and negotiate this marriage of convenience. Halvard the orc offers to escort Rychell on her travels, since there have been attacks on travelers, and he hopes to win her heart with the alone time traveling offers, as he has had his eye on her for a long time. Will Rychell choose the loveless contract marriage, or will Halvard be able to appeal to her heart and give her a love match?
I loved Halvard's character in this story. While he would like to have a romantic relationship with Rychell, he is also happy to just be her friend and give her the space she needs. Rychell, while it is understanding not wanting to fall in love when you expect it to end badly, I feel her constant resistance, even when she starts to have feelings for Halvard, is an annoying part of her character. She admits she is attracted to Halvard, and even imagines a life with him, but continues to resist the pull. Halvard's cousin Magnus and his wife Aila are such wonderful characters. Both extremely blunt, with Aila going into a lot of detail about Orc mating traditions, and Magnus flat out asking Rychell why she won't date Halvard! I also find it amusing how Halvard tries to not show that he is upset when Rychell is meeting with Master Osric, her potential husband. Halvard tries, but still ends up snapping a spoon in half, then tries to play it off saying "They don't make them like they used to."
The little cherub fairy, Fiorella, she is also an amusing addition!
As much as Rychell resists though, Halvard does manage to start breaking down her anti-romance walls, but will he manage to do it in time, before she signs the contract with Osric? You will just have to read to find out!
Some fav quotes:
"A hint of coppery hair, the color of his beard shows on his large pectoral muscles, and I swallow, trying not to stare. I don't want to get carried away. It's one thing to look and enjoy; it's quite another to ogle like a fool."
"Blessed stones she smells amazing. I long to lick my way from her toes to her pretty head. I adjust my trousers and thank the stones that humans can't scent arousal like orcs."
"A shiver travels down my body. Something about a male this big talking to me like this has the less practical side of me preening."
"His scent of whisky and soap envelops me, and heat pools low in my belly. I chew my lip and try to stop breathing completely."
"My desire for Rychell overcame every thought in my head, and I dragged my tusks over her door to mark it against other creatures entering. Like she's my mate. I must have been completely mad with lust; I don't even remember doing it."
"He has to be the most handsome monster ever born. Potent, male, and at ease with brazenly showing off his form."
"Archer gives us a sly smile. "You two must be lucky to earn the attention of a cherub fairy. Her attention is a blessing, I hear." "She's a pervert," I say laughing."
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
October 28, 2025
I wrote it so I'm giving it five stars! 🤣
November 1, 2025
This was an enjoyable cozy romantasy read. I enjoyed following Rychell and Halvard in this story. I loved seeing both character’s points of view in this book and especially loved Halvard’s character. This was a quick and cute read that definitely made me want to check out the other books in this series. If you are looking for a spicy cozy fantasy you may want to check this one out.
Read this if you like:
📖 Bodyguard romance
📖 Single mom
📖 He falls first
📖 Cozy fantasy
📖 Some spice
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
Read this if you like:
📖 Bodyguard romance
📖 Single mom
📖 He falls first
📖 Cozy fantasy
📖 Some spice
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
November 2, 2025
I received this book as an advanced reader copy from the author.
I loved this book! It was such a fun quick read. I loved the fall and Halloween vibes and the flying broom scene at the end was comical.
This book left me wanting more with Rychell and Halvard. For a quick read, the author does a great job of setting up the characters.
Fun book and I can't wait for more in Leafshire Cove!
I loved this book! It was such a fun quick read. I loved the fall and Halloween vibes and the flying broom scene at the end was comical.
This book left me wanting more with Rychell and Halvard. For a quick read, the author does a great job of setting up the characters.
Fun book and I can't wait for more in Leafshire Cove!
May 6, 2026
“I swore to myself I would never fall in love, would never marry and never experience that agony again”.
Me ha gustado en general. Eso sí, me quedo con el primer libro. A mi la gárgola me robó el corazón y basta.
Asimismo, siento que los personajes y el argumento ha sido el mejor estructurado hasta la fecha. Además, me he sentido muy identificada con la protagonista.
Espero que siga mejorando como autora porque se lo merece.
Me ha gustado en general. Eso sí, me quedo con el primer libro. A mi la gárgola me robó el corazón y basta.
Asimismo, siento que los personajes y el argumento ha sido el mejor estructurado hasta la fecha. Además, me he sentido muy identificada con la protagonista.
Espero que siga mejorando como autora porque se lo merece.
October 28, 2025
I just HAVE to start off with this, I LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!!! Every time I pick up another Lila Appleton book, I get all the mushy feelings. These books are so sweet, so delighted, so cosy, I just want to eat them up! Which I do, by devouring them in a single sitting. Kaya would be proud of my gluttony, I'm filled to the brim and extremely sated!
Rychell, bless her, is a bit on the lonely side. Acquiring herbs and spices to sell is the most excitement she gets, oh, and her gorgeous adopted little boy, Nate, fulfills her. Romance, love, relationships are not for her, she shied away from any commitments after seeing how loving someone can ruin one. Her fear is real, not realistic but real. Even though the sexy Orc, Halvard sets her pulse racing she ignores it. It's a bit more difficult to ignore his presence....So, when she sees an ad that appears to be exactly up her alley, she really has no choice but to answer it. It's on her way to purchase the spices anyway, 2 birds, one stone and all that. It can be a dangerous journey, so when Halvard offers to travel with her, she readily accepts. Which is just as well, all manner of baddies pop out of the woodwork, and Halvard is quick to dispatch any threats.
What a cutie Halvard is! He's this big, burley Orc who has the softness of a newborn kitty, and he knits! Yes, needles, yarn, the whole bang shoot, plus he has a very enticing lip ring. 😁 But boy he's got it baaaad for Rychell.... I just loved the dual POV so I could see exactly what they feel and how. HIS thoughts and HER thoughts follow a similar path but totally diverse at the same time. I honestly wanted to cry at how awesome he is, how gentle he is, how considerate he is. Even though Rychell tries to push him away, he wears his heart on his sleeve. Even being, outwardly, supportive of an impending union with Osric, his inner turmoil did me in. The author took me through the roof with a whole concoction of emotions. When he thinks "It’s painful how love burns despite rejection", when he says "I would do absolutely anything for you. You could order me to leap from the sea cliffs and I’d do it just to see you get your way.” You'd have to be made of stone not to be affected. I certainly was. Big time! Then Ms Appleton twisted it up, a fairy, adorable, snarky and ultra cool appears. Adding her 5c worth of .... advice to it all!
The author's talent for infusing heat and humour with one stroke is exemplary. The scene where Halvard is teaching Rychell fighting moves, is hilarious! Laugh out loud funny. And very clever use of words. Innocuous words that have alternate meaning... Poor Halvard was hoping, on the trip, to melt the icy outer casing Rychell has erected. And then she tells him of her plan. Boy, my heart clenched for him! Ms Appleton really gives every character a unique spin, it's impossible not to like them. They are FUN! Magnus and Alia, their easy banter, their assumptions, priceless! If I wasn't sitting, I would have fallen over from laughing!
The delight this book brings out in me, I feel as though I'm on a high! Sooooo many scenes, sooooo much fabulous banter, sooooo many feels! Like the scenes with Halvard's family, OMG, priceless! Like the conflicting emotions and reactions from Rychell! Ms Appleton, pens books that I can't seem to let go, that infuse me with fervour, and, let me tell you, she has excelled with this book! Ticked every single box with this book! I was so elated, I could have played hop-scotch without even a blink. Family, friendship, loyalty, are just some of the extremely beautiful moments in this book. As is the message that the past does not define one, we have control of our own emotions, thoughts and reactions. Nate has the truths of it, love IS messy, the best messy ever. And when it all comes together, well, that's heavenly! Deliciously delightful. This book gets a resounding "brilliant!" from me! My favourite of the series. So far....
Rychell, bless her, is a bit on the lonely side. Acquiring herbs and spices to sell is the most excitement she gets, oh, and her gorgeous adopted little boy, Nate, fulfills her. Romance, love, relationships are not for her, she shied away from any commitments after seeing how loving someone can ruin one. Her fear is real, not realistic but real. Even though the sexy Orc, Halvard sets her pulse racing she ignores it. It's a bit more difficult to ignore his presence....So, when she sees an ad that appears to be exactly up her alley, she really has no choice but to answer it. It's on her way to purchase the spices anyway, 2 birds, one stone and all that. It can be a dangerous journey, so when Halvard offers to travel with her, she readily accepts. Which is just as well, all manner of baddies pop out of the woodwork, and Halvard is quick to dispatch any threats.
What a cutie Halvard is! He's this big, burley Orc who has the softness of a newborn kitty, and he knits! Yes, needles, yarn, the whole bang shoot, plus he has a very enticing lip ring. 😁 But boy he's got it baaaad for Rychell.... I just loved the dual POV so I could see exactly what they feel and how. HIS thoughts and HER thoughts follow a similar path but totally diverse at the same time. I honestly wanted to cry at how awesome he is, how gentle he is, how considerate he is. Even though Rychell tries to push him away, he wears his heart on his sleeve. Even being, outwardly, supportive of an impending union with Osric, his inner turmoil did me in. The author took me through the roof with a whole concoction of emotions. When he thinks "It’s painful how love burns despite rejection", when he says "I would do absolutely anything for you. You could order me to leap from the sea cliffs and I’d do it just to see you get your way.” You'd have to be made of stone not to be affected. I certainly was. Big time! Then Ms Appleton twisted it up, a fairy, adorable, snarky and ultra cool appears. Adding her 5c worth of .... advice to it all!
The author's talent for infusing heat and humour with one stroke is exemplary. The scene where Halvard is teaching Rychell fighting moves, is hilarious! Laugh out loud funny. And very clever use of words. Innocuous words that have alternate meaning... Poor Halvard was hoping, on the trip, to melt the icy outer casing Rychell has erected. And then she tells him of her plan. Boy, my heart clenched for him! Ms Appleton really gives every character a unique spin, it's impossible not to like them. They are FUN! Magnus and Alia, their easy banter, their assumptions, priceless! If I wasn't sitting, I would have fallen over from laughing!
The delight this book brings out in me, I feel as though I'm on a high! Sooooo many scenes, sooooo much fabulous banter, sooooo many feels! Like the scenes with Halvard's family, OMG, priceless! Like the conflicting emotions and reactions from Rychell! Ms Appleton, pens books that I can't seem to let go, that infuse me with fervour, and, let me tell you, she has excelled with this book! Ticked every single box with this book! I was so elated, I could have played hop-scotch without even a blink. Family, friendship, loyalty, are just some of the extremely beautiful moments in this book. As is the message that the past does not define one, we have control of our own emotions, thoughts and reactions. Nate has the truths of it, love IS messy, the best messy ever. And when it all comes together, well, that's heavenly! Deliciously delightful. This book gets a resounding "brilliant!" from me! My favourite of the series. So far....
October 29, 2025
I adore my visits to Leafshire Cove. I love getting to see the characters from the other stories as we get to experience another set of people falling (or finally admitting they have fallen) in love. It is cozy deliciousness and I am here for it!
Rychell is a human spice merchant and single mom to the most adorable kiddo.
Halvard is an orc who used to be in the king's army and now works at a pub.
She has a spice buying trip that she needs to take. He has a massive crush on her. He offers to be her bodyguard because of the risk of ruffians. She agrees because safety is good and a nice view will make the journey so much better. Things get flirty and there is a lot of honesty about attraction, feelings and her plans to enter a co tract marriage with a trader.
Rychell has some wonky but understandable views on love and relationships and not letting people close. Same, girl. She had a rough time watching her parents turn from love to hate, and she wants to avoid that and give her son the best, happiest and most loved filled life. Her journey of learning & growing in love and risk is really sweet.
Halvard is a beautiful and sweet orc who is completely enraptured by Rychell but respects her boundaries and doesn't push her for more than she wants or can offer. He knows what he wants and believes that Rychell deserves the best and more than she thinks she wants, but he is willing to wait for her to get.om the same page or leave her to her marriage contract plans if that is what she chooses. Love how protective he is and how much he cares her for son.
These two are adorable and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero impact on my review.
Rychell is a human spice merchant and single mom to the most adorable kiddo.
Halvard is an orc who used to be in the king's army and now works at a pub.
She has a spice buying trip that she needs to take. He has a massive crush on her. He offers to be her bodyguard because of the risk of ruffians. She agrees because safety is good and a nice view will make the journey so much better. Things get flirty and there is a lot of honesty about attraction, feelings and her plans to enter a co tract marriage with a trader.
Rychell has some wonky but understandable views on love and relationships and not letting people close. Same, girl. She had a rough time watching her parents turn from love to hate, and she wants to avoid that and give her son the best, happiest and most loved filled life. Her journey of learning & growing in love and risk is really sweet.
Halvard is a beautiful and sweet orc who is completely enraptured by Rychell but respects her boundaries and doesn't push her for more than she wants or can offer. He knows what he wants and believes that Rychell deserves the best and more than she thinks she wants, but he is willing to wait for her to get.om the same page or leave her to her marriage contract plans if that is what she chooses. Love how protective he is and how much he cares her for son.
These two are adorable and I thoroughly enjoyed their story.
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero impact on my review.
November 3, 2025
When the Merchant met the Orc, book 4 in Lila Appleton's Leafshire Cove Monster collection, is a witty, lightheaded cozy fantasy monster romance, that will make you want to throw things one minute and curl your toes the next. I would say it's a friend's to lovers story, but, in truth, Halvard has been in love with Rychell since day one. Rychell, on the other hand, refuses to accept their attraction, and instead, wishes to pursue a life free of romantic relationships of any sort. She believes that this will provide a more stable life for herself and her adopted fairy son, Nate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, including the cozy little town where everyone is accepted regardless of who or what they are. The stage is set around Nocturne, a Halloween-like festival, making it a perfect fall read.
The characters are well developed and engaging. I appreciate the dual POV, it gives the story and the characters more depth. Halvard is wonderful! He is truly multifaceted, and can go from relaxed knitter to fierce protector and lethal warrior in 0.02 seconds. Rychell is much more rigid and structured with her life (and her son's). She believes that is the key to happiness (lack of stress, strain and any potential strife). Unfortunately for her, she finds herself physically attracted to Halvard to the point of distraction. Will nature take it's course, or will Ryshell be able to stick to her no romance lifestyle?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed When the Merchant met the Orc and highly recommend it, along with the other standalone ⁸ in this wonderful Leafshire Cove Monster series!
I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, including the cozy little town where everyone is accepted regardless of who or what they are. The stage is set around Nocturne, a Halloween-like festival, making it a perfect fall read.
The characters are well developed and engaging. I appreciate the dual POV, it gives the story and the characters more depth. Halvard is wonderful! He is truly multifaceted, and can go from relaxed knitter to fierce protector and lethal warrior in 0.02 seconds. Rychell is much more rigid and structured with her life (and her son's). She believes that is the key to happiness (lack of stress, strain and any potential strife). Unfortunately for her, she finds herself physically attracted to Halvard to the point of distraction. Will nature take it's course, or will Ryshell be able to stick to her no romance lifestyle?
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed When the Merchant met the Orc and highly recommend it, along with the other standalone ⁸ in this wonderful Leafshire Cove Monster series!
November 3, 2025
This was an incredibly cute addition to the Leafshire Cove Monsters series!
I enjoyed getting more insight in Halvard, who we have met in previous books! He is a big, protective, yet sweet, orc who only has eyes for Rychell and definitely didn’t waste any time letting her know. I also enjoyed getting to meet members of his family, which isn’t something we’ve seen a whole lot of in this world yet, so that was nice.
I enjoyed meeting Rychell for, I believe, the first time. She was such a pragmatic and logical presence in the book, but she also had an incredibly deep soft spot for her adoptive son, Nate. Given her bad history with love, it made total sense why she thought a partnership over a romantic endeavor would make more sense, however, the heart wants what the heart wants. While these two couldn’t have been more different in personality, they both loved so deeply and that’s ultimately what got them together 😊
Speaking of Nate, I loved how it wasn’t expressly stated, but it was implied that he was neurodivergent. From why she wanted him to go to a better school to some of their everyday activities together geared towards helping him learn the specific way he needed, I loved seeing the rep and how it was written with love.
I loved getting to meet quite a few new people in this one, especially our author vampire, Archer. I can’t wait to read his story.
As for the spice…who doesn’t love cave sex or being chased through the woods 🤣
Thank you to Lila Appleton for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
I enjoyed getting more insight in Halvard, who we have met in previous books! He is a big, protective, yet sweet, orc who only has eyes for Rychell and definitely didn’t waste any time letting her know. I also enjoyed getting to meet members of his family, which isn’t something we’ve seen a whole lot of in this world yet, so that was nice.
I enjoyed meeting Rychell for, I believe, the first time. She was such a pragmatic and logical presence in the book, but she also had an incredibly deep soft spot for her adoptive son, Nate. Given her bad history with love, it made total sense why she thought a partnership over a romantic endeavor would make more sense, however, the heart wants what the heart wants. While these two couldn’t have been more different in personality, they both loved so deeply and that’s ultimately what got them together 😊
Speaking of Nate, I loved how it wasn’t expressly stated, but it was implied that he was neurodivergent. From why she wanted him to go to a better school to some of their everyday activities together geared towards helping him learn the specific way he needed, I loved seeing the rep and how it was written with love.
I loved getting to meet quite a few new people in this one, especially our author vampire, Archer. I can’t wait to read his story.
As for the spice…who doesn’t love cave sex or being chased through the woods 🤣
Thank you to Lila Appleton for the opportunity to read this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
November 1, 2025
Love this one the most!
Perfect Halloween / fall read.
The has been my favorite of the series so far!
The little found family, and bodyguard romance was so sweet that I couldn’t stop reading.
Since they were also friends first definitely added a layer to the chemistry that burns between them. Halvard is such a cinnamon roll character that I melted for him. Strong and a capable fighter/protector but an orc that chooses to knit and tell stories. He is a true friend who respects other’s feelings and loves deeply.
Rychell was also an interesting character who knew what she wanted and loves her son Nate above all else. Her personality was unique but spoke to me more than the others.
Love is messy but it makes for the grandest of adventures, with the deepest memories.
These characters were so well written that you grew to know them well over a short period of time. Lots of great details with very low drama and no miscommunication.
A m/f romantic fantasy. Small town, monster romance with an orc and human with a fairy son. Perfect Halloween read with seasonal festivals, food, spice and all the sweet feel good vibes.
Dual POVs told in first person.
Main couple-
Halvard - orc male, bodyguard, warrior, barkeep
Rychell - female human, spice merchant, has an adopted fairy son, Nate
Spice- couple 🔥scenes including a chase
Definitely can’t wait for the next book. Archer intrigued me. Especially since he is a writer too.
Perfect Halloween / fall read.
The has been my favorite of the series so far!
The little found family, and bodyguard romance was so sweet that I couldn’t stop reading.
Since they were also friends first definitely added a layer to the chemistry that burns between them. Halvard is such a cinnamon roll character that I melted for him. Strong and a capable fighter/protector but an orc that chooses to knit and tell stories. He is a true friend who respects other’s feelings and loves deeply.
Rychell was also an interesting character who knew what she wanted and loves her son Nate above all else. Her personality was unique but spoke to me more than the others.
Love is messy but it makes for the grandest of adventures, with the deepest memories.
These characters were so well written that you grew to know them well over a short period of time. Lots of great details with very low drama and no miscommunication.
A m/f romantic fantasy. Small town, monster romance with an orc and human with a fairy son. Perfect Halloween read with seasonal festivals, food, spice and all the sweet feel good vibes.
Dual POVs told in first person.
Main couple-
Halvard - orc male, bodyguard, warrior, barkeep
Rychell - female human, spice merchant, has an adopted fairy son, Nate
Spice- couple 🔥scenes including a chase
Definitely can’t wait for the next book. Archer intrigued me. Especially since he is a writer too.
October 30, 2025
Another hot and spicy romantic novel from Ms. Appleton and this time we see a beautiful and kind merchant Rychelle who is very much against marriage, because she has been so traumatised by her own parents disastrous marriage. She vows she will never raise her adopted son Nate in such a bad environment, and he was always her first priority. So she decides to marry someone through a contract, were no love was needed, someone who would help her in her business, and be a companion. But fate had other plans for her, as she was soon to find out. Halvard, an orc and a dear friend to her and Nate offered to act as her protector during her business trip. He was enamoured of her and wanted her as his mate, but knew how she felt about committment. But fate has a way to bring her plans to fruition, and thus we get to read about this lovely romance, full of hot spicy scenes between the orc and the human. I particularly love these magical books about the characters who dwell in Leafshire Cove and their beautiful magical familiars, especially the talking maplecat. I am a real sucker for happily ever after and I do believe this is what our couple are in for. These novels put me in such a good mood, I am already waiting in anticipation for the next one!
January 21, 2026
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I adore this series because the setting of supernatural creatures but with such an awesome human-like world. Picturing the small town feel with the added whimsy of supernatural creatures is so fun.
Halvard and Rychell’s love story is so utterly precious. The author is so good at the slow burn while making it seem natural and the payoff is absolutely worth it. I never feel like the story is dragging. This book especially has excellent pacing.
I love how the characters’ backstories bleed into how they act and how they respond. We understand Rychell’s reluctance and we understand Halvard’s persistence. As much as they might choose actions that make us groan, we understand them.
I’m also a fan of how so many of the author’s characters have kids and those children are absolutely part of the narrative even when they aren’t present. It really drives home the idea that a love story is the formation of a family and that includes everyone!
If you’re looking for spice, there is plenty here! Some of the other books, it felt a bit superfluous but there was just the right amount here and it did what it was supposed to do—build and cement the relationship.
Another excellent entry and I look forward to more!
I adore this series because the setting of supernatural creatures but with such an awesome human-like world. Picturing the small town feel with the added whimsy of supernatural creatures is so fun.
Halvard and Rychell’s love story is so utterly precious. The author is so good at the slow burn while making it seem natural and the payoff is absolutely worth it. I never feel like the story is dragging. This book especially has excellent pacing.
I love how the characters’ backstories bleed into how they act and how they respond. We understand Rychell’s reluctance and we understand Halvard’s persistence. As much as they might choose actions that make us groan, we understand them.
I’m also a fan of how so many of the author’s characters have kids and those children are absolutely part of the narrative even when they aren’t present. It really drives home the idea that a love story is the formation of a family and that includes everyone!
If you’re looking for spice, there is plenty here! Some of the other books, it felt a bit superfluous but there was just the right amount here and it did what it was supposed to do—build and cement the relationship.
Another excellent entry and I look forward to more!
October 29, 2025
I love each and every time I get to return to the magic of Leafshire Cove. When the Merchant Met the Orc gives us the story of Rychell, the reserved spice merchant, and Halvard, the sweet, steady orc who is hoping against hope that Rychell will eventually give him a chance.
Due to residual trauma from her emotionally chaotic childhood, Rychell lives a very ordered and ascetic life, reserving every ounce of love for her adopted son. In her quest for stability she is willing to enter into a loveless contract marriage because she's so afraid of love going bad.
Halvard, under his battle hardened warrior exterior, is the softest of cinnamon rolls (he knits!) He has been in love with Rychell for ages, but he is the consumate gentleman and never makes it her problem. He loves her so much he's willing let his heart break while she plans to marry another man if it makes her happy.
Fortunately, with the help (or meddling) of friends and family Rychell eventually comes to her senses and realizes that she can have both stability and love. Rychell and Halvard's romance is so sweet and Rychell's son is an adorable whirlwind.
Thank you Lila Appleton for the opportunity to advance read!
Due to residual trauma from her emotionally chaotic childhood, Rychell lives a very ordered and ascetic life, reserving every ounce of love for her adopted son. In her quest for stability she is willing to enter into a loveless contract marriage because she's so afraid of love going bad.
Halvard, under his battle hardened warrior exterior, is the softest of cinnamon rolls (he knits!) He has been in love with Rychell for ages, but he is the consumate gentleman and never makes it her problem. He loves her so much he's willing let his heart break while she plans to marry another man if it makes her happy.
Fortunately, with the help (or meddling) of friends and family Rychell eventually comes to her senses and realizes that she can have both stability and love. Rychell and Halvard's romance is so sweet and Rychell's son is an adorable whirlwind.
Thank you Lila Appleton for the opportunity to advance read!
October 29, 2025
It's stories such as this one that make cozy romantasies among my most favorite to read. When the Merchant Met the Orc is a quick read but is incredibly satisfying. Reading is stress-free because of the lighthearted theme, and of course the romance is wonderful. Halvard the orc here was such an endearing man, what with his incredible patience with Rychell and her stubborn views on romantic relationships. You cannot help but root for him that he'd be able to change Rychelle's mind and convince her to give in to her attraction to him. More admirably, even with the threat of another man earning Rychelle's hand in marriage, he did not go caveman on her, but instead continued to support her in her decisions. That's one morally straight guy - well, orc - you have there, and that makes Halvard quite the irresistible book boyfriend. I'd only been too happy when he finally managed to break through Rychell's defenses and won her over.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is off voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is off voluntarily.
October 29, 2025
I’m officially obsessed with the cozy romantasy world Lila Appleton has created—Leafshire Cove is the place to be, and honestly, I want to pack my bags and move there! And if you know me, you know I love a good monster (ORC) read!
✨Contracts, courage, and a love that refuses to be bargained away…✨
Watching Halvard’s sweet, persistent efforts to win over Rychell made my heart melt. Her hesitation felt so real, shaped by a childhood filled with conflict, but the slow-burn tension and emotional build between them were chef’s kiss.
✨ "I would do absolutely anything for you. You could order me to leap from the sea cliffs and I’d do it just to see you get your way.”
This story had everything I love—heartfelt moments, soft pining, a touch of steam, and a world that feels like home. And that teaser for the next book (a vampire and a human 👀)? I’m already counting down!
✨ “I’d whisper my love into her and show her with my hands and my body how treasured she is.”
Cozy monster romantasy readers and Halloween lovers, add this one to your TBR!
✨Contracts, courage, and a love that refuses to be bargained away…✨
Watching Halvard’s sweet, persistent efforts to win over Rychell made my heart melt. Her hesitation felt so real, shaped by a childhood filled with conflict, but the slow-burn tension and emotional build between them were chef’s kiss.
✨ "I would do absolutely anything for you. You could order me to leap from the sea cliffs and I’d do it just to see you get your way.”
This story had everything I love—heartfelt moments, soft pining, a touch of steam, and a world that feels like home. And that teaser for the next book (a vampire and a human 👀)? I’m already counting down!
✨ “I’d whisper my love into her and show her with my hands and my body how treasured she is.”
Cozy monster romantasy readers and Halloween lovers, add this one to your TBR!
November 1, 2025
FMC Ruined it for me
I DNF, which is pretty rare for me. Especially for as short a novella as this one. But the FMC is, and I hate using this phrase so much… A snowflake. Dad and Mom argued when she was little? No one got physical, it wasn’t abusive, they just yelled a lot. I And she’s having flashbacks over it and making super lame decisions about her life because of it? Grow up!
Oh it’s such a shame that my nice, handsome, intelligent, friend likes me. Clearly the choice here is to have a marriage of convenience with some random stranger. For no reason. Meanwhile, I’ll flirt and get jealous over his future romantic prospects and accuse him of seduction. Because it’s clearly all his fault. But this is all for a stable environment for my son. Somehow.
Look, I get that the fictional characters need to have something to overcome before HEA, but this is silly. I was rooting for MMC to ditch her butt and find someone better.
I DNF, which is pretty rare for me. Especially for as short a novella as this one. But the FMC is, and I hate using this phrase so much… A snowflake. Dad and Mom argued when she was little? No one got physical, it wasn’t abusive, they just yelled a lot. I And she’s having flashbacks over it and making super lame decisions about her life because of it? Grow up!
Oh it’s such a shame that my nice, handsome, intelligent, friend likes me. Clearly the choice here is to have a marriage of convenience with some random stranger. For no reason. Meanwhile, I’ll flirt and get jealous over his future romantic prospects and accuse him of seduction. Because it’s clearly all his fault. But this is all for a stable environment for my son. Somehow.
Look, I get that the fictional characters need to have something to overcome before HEA, but this is silly. I was rooting for MMC to ditch her butt and find someone better.
November 3, 2025
First off: THANK YOU to the author and publisher for sending me an advanced copy, which I was just now able to read. Once I saw a release I knew I would buy it, as I bought the others, but turns out I did not have to and for that I am so very grateful. Now to the books…
What can I say… this series is so lovely, gives all the warm happy vibes and I just love it! Since they are short and happy they are perfect to read between longer more complex books/series.
Halvard and Rychell were wonderful and their love story was super sweet. The fact that her son was what made her realize love is worth the risk just made everything so much sweeter. Like the other books this was a short, spicy, and overall wonderful love story in a small town setting. I cannot recommend this enough. And yes, do read the other 3 books first as the people from them do make appearances. I do hope there is more to come from this series.
What can I say… this series is so lovely, gives all the warm happy vibes and I just love it! Since they are short and happy they are perfect to read between longer more complex books/series.
Halvard and Rychell were wonderful and their love story was super sweet. The fact that her son was what made her realize love is worth the risk just made everything so much sweeter. Like the other books this was a short, spicy, and overall wonderful love story in a small town setting. I cannot recommend this enough. And yes, do read the other 3 books first as the people from them do make appearances. I do hope there is more to come from this series.
November 7, 2025
Rychell’s convinced love ruins lives. After growing up in a war zone of parental resentment, she’s decided the only way to protect her son is to avoid love entirely. Contract marriage? Sure. Emotional vulnerability? Absolutely not.
Halvard the Orc has been quietly in love with her for ages (or at least it feels like ages). When she needs a bodyguard for a spice-buying trip and a meet-up with her potential husband, he jumps at the chance. He’s protective, patient, and doing everything short of skywriting his feelings.
Her son is a sparkly, hyper fairy with a talent for joyful chaos. Her contract fiancé? A man who thinks “messy” is a moral failing. It doesn’t take long to see who really fits into her life.
This story is cozy, romantic, and full of emotional healing. Watching Rychell learn that love doesn’t have to be a battlefield—it can be a warm kitchen with an orc who knows how to stir—is everything.
Halvard the Orc has been quietly in love with her for ages (or at least it feels like ages). When she needs a bodyguard for a spice-buying trip and a meet-up with her potential husband, he jumps at the chance. He’s protective, patient, and doing everything short of skywriting his feelings.
Her son is a sparkly, hyper fairy with a talent for joyful chaos. Her contract fiancé? A man who thinks “messy” is a moral failing. It doesn’t take long to see who really fits into her life.
This story is cozy, romantic, and full of emotional healing. Watching Rychell learn that love doesn’t have to be a battlefield—it can be a warm kitchen with an orc who knows how to stir—is everything.
October 29, 2025
I really enjoy these Leafshire Cove cozy, sexy, witty love stories by Lila Appleton. Halvard has the patience of a saint and the rosiest of rose colored glasses—all for Rychell, of course. Everyone around them assumes they are mates, except Rychell. She refuses to believe it—she believes love will only bring chaos and pain.
Halvard and Rychell have a bumpy, sometimes painful road to their HEA … but, once there, wow.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Halvard
FMC:
✨Rychell
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Leafshire Cove
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉cozy bodyguard romance
👉Orc x
👉 he falls first
👉 only one cave
👉 adorable magical pets
👉 found family
👉 single mother
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨medium - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
Halvard and Rychell have a bumpy, sometimes painful road to their HEA … but, once there, wow.
*** Recommended ***
MMC:
✨Halvard
FMC:
✨Rychell
HEA/Cliffhanger:
✨HEA
Series:
✨Leafshire Cove
Epilogue:
🌗yes
Tropes:
👉cozy bodyguard romance
👉Orc x
👉 he falls first
👉 only one cave
👉 adorable magical pets
👉 found family
👉 single mother
Triggers:
💥18+
💥sex
💥profanity
Burn Speed:
✨medium - ish
Spice Level:
✨🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨MF
October 30, 2025
When the Merchant Met the Orc
What a wonderfully cute and cozy read perfect for the season!
Rychell and Halvard were sweet together. I enjoyed the yearning between them!
Rychell was a cautious woman who longed for stability and control.
Halvard was protective, devoted, and full of emotions.
Opposites attract and this was no different. I loved Halvard so much in this one. He was so supportive and kind.
Tropes to enjoy here were cozy vibes, orc/human, bodyguard romance, protective MMC, spice, he falls first, standalone interconnected series, virgin FMC, tusks and more!
What a wonderfully cute and cozy read perfect for the season!
Rychell and Halvard were sweet together. I enjoyed the yearning between them!
Rychell was a cautious woman who longed for stability and control.
Halvard was protective, devoted, and full of emotions.
Opposites attract and this was no different. I loved Halvard so much in this one. He was so supportive and kind.
Tropes to enjoy here were cozy vibes, orc/human, bodyguard romance, protective MMC, spice, he falls first, standalone interconnected series, virgin FMC, tusks and more!
November 6, 2025
Book four and we travel back to Leafshire Cove, a wonderful little town filled with fascinating and intriguing characters and this time it’s Rychell & Halvard’s story. It’s a fantastic story, sweet and spicy as we follow these two friends, one who has been in love with the other since day one whilst the other believes love is not in the cards for them and concentrates on raising her adopted pixie son. With incredible world building, it’s a great story as we prepare for Nocturne, a Halloween-like festival, with a touch of chemistry, a touch of romance and a whole lot of heartfelt moments. Had me hooked from start to finish, this author really knows how to draw you in.
February 5, 2026
This is another amazing, short, spicy, happy love story in a series full of them! These books are perfect for a simply wonderful short, sweet, spicy and happy vibe filled love story read between longer books.
When the Merchant met the Orc, book 4 in Lila Appleton's Leafshire Cove Monster collection, is a witty, lightheaded cozy fantasy monster romance, that will make you want to throw things one minute and curl your toes the next. I would say it's a friend's to lovers story, but, in truth, Halvard has been in love with Rychell since day one. Rychell, on the other hand, refuses to accept their attraction, and instead, wishes to pursue a life free of romantic relationships of any sort. She believes that this will provide a more stable life for herself and her adopted fairy son, Nate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, including the cozy little town where everyone is accepted regardless of who or what they are.
When the Merchant met the Orc, book 4 in Lila Appleton's Leafshire Cove Monster collection, is a witty, lightheaded cozy fantasy monster romance, that will make you want to throw things one minute and curl your toes the next. I would say it's a friend's to lovers story, but, in truth, Halvard has been in love with Rychell since day one. Rychell, on the other hand, refuses to accept their attraction, and instead, wishes to pursue a life free of romantic relationships of any sort. She believes that this will provide a more stable life for herself and her adopted fairy son, Nate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, including the cozy little town where everyone is accepted regardless of who or what they are.
October 31, 2025
I always adore the little cove Lila brings to life in her stories. Rychell and Halvard were always going to fall into each other at the end. This Merchant had a lock on her heart for everyone and a protection for her son to keep sacred. However we all knew Orcs can break locks and bury themselves into your lives. I had a great time reading these two and rooting for their love story! cant wait for a vampire next!
November 10, 2025
Although this was my first time reading Lila Appleton's work - I was automatically invested! Who knew that Monster Romances would start to be one of my go to's in reading and then pairing it up as a cozy fantasy book - instantly sold.
Now granted, I read this without reading the first couple of books in the series, but from my understanding you could read this as a standalone. I was instantly hooked within the first couple of chapters, loving the dual POV, the back and forth banter. The fact that Rychell was the Grumpy, while Halvard was the Sunshine. It made me kick my feet up in the air every time Harlvard had his little wins of breaking Rychell's shell down. And the yearning between the two? Electric.
And he...chases her. NEW TROPE FOUND.
Thank you to Lila Appleton for this wonderful advanced reader copy for my open and honest feedback. You have instantly gained a new follower.
✨ Dual POV
✨ Grumpy / Sunshine
✨ He Falls First
✨ Cozy Fantasy / Low Stakes
✨ Small Town Vibes
✨ Bodyguard / He Trains Her
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥
Series: Book 4 of _ (Can be read as a standalone.)
Now granted, I read this without reading the first couple of books in the series, but from my understanding you could read this as a standalone. I was instantly hooked within the first couple of chapters, loving the dual POV, the back and forth banter. The fact that Rychell was the Grumpy, while Halvard was the Sunshine. It made me kick my feet up in the air every time Harlvard had his little wins of breaking Rychell's shell down. And the yearning between the two? Electric.
And he...chases her. NEW TROPE FOUND.
Thank you to Lila Appleton for this wonderful advanced reader copy for my open and honest feedback. You have instantly gained a new follower.
✨ Dual POV
✨ Grumpy / Sunshine
✨ He Falls First
✨ Cozy Fantasy / Low Stakes
✨ Small Town Vibes
✨ Bodyguard / He Trains Her
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🔥🔥
Series: Book 4 of _ (Can be read as a standalone.)
December 1, 2025
This makes for another fun and quite cute cozy read in the Leafhire Cove series. Rychell is fixated on getting through life without any messy - and possibly painful - emotional, romantic entanglements. She wants to control everything in her life, but through the course of this book and thanks to the enigmatic Halvard, orc bartender, bouncer and sometimes caravan guard, she learns some very valuable life lessons. This short novella is a quick and enjoyable read.
April 19, 2026
This was cute and cheesy as per usual for this series.
It wasn’t my favorite one but still worth the read.
Halvard is just so pathetically down bad for this girl. And so open about it too it was almost cringy? But once they get together it’s so worth it.
Idk how this woman was able to stay away for so long.
Read this if you like a cozy monster romance where the FMC is hella repressed and the MMC is just determined to show her they’re perfect together.
It wasn’t my favorite one but still worth the read.
Halvard is just so pathetically down bad for this girl. And so open about it too it was almost cringy? But once they get together it’s so worth it.
Idk how this woman was able to stay away for so long.
Read this if you like a cozy monster romance where the FMC is hella repressed and the MMC is just determined to show her they’re perfect together.
October 30, 2025
I love every visit to Leafshire Cove! I love the idea of a world that welcomes all creatures with no prejudice.
Rychell and Halvard are a perfect addition to this gang of lovers we have met along the way. I love that despite his natural instincts and love for her, Halvard gives Rychell the space and time she needs to come to her own conclusions.
Rychell and Halvard are a perfect addition to this gang of lovers we have met along the way. I love that despite his natural instincts and love for her, Halvard gives Rychell the space and time she needs to come to her own conclusions.
November 1, 2025
This was such a cute story! Halvard and Rychell were a perfect match. It was fun to see them fight their feelings and then inevitably give in. Nate was so fun, a mischievous little boy, is just what the couple needed. I loved the orc family interaction! They were so forthright and loud I kinda want an orc family myself. I’m glad it ends with a happily ever after! Definitely recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2025
I always love a good visit to Leafshire Cove. Lila has absolutely done it again with this sweet, cozy, magical read. This was an especially heartfelt read to me as a single mother myself. This book hit all the right notes. Sweet, funny, spicy, and heartwarming. Can’t wait to read the next installment!
March 27, 2026
This is another series that I love. Halvard and Rychell are perfect for one another, even if it takes Rychell a while to realize it. I wish we had gotten to know Nate a little better, since he seemed adorable, but that's my only complaint. I did also really like that the other 'suitor' didn't turn out to be a bad person, just not the right one for her.
Thank you to Lila Appleton for the ARC!
Thank you to Lila Appleton for the ARC!
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