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The Mafia Orc at the Beach and Me

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When estranged friends Camilla and Harris reunite after over a decade apart, they find that their fractured bond might be all they have left to keep them alive.

Elf and mage, Camilla, goes on a solo vacation to the beach, ready for total relaxation and no surprises. Unfortunately, that’s not what a certain orc who disappeared from her life long ago had in store for her.

Orc, Harris, followed Camilla, who he’s obsessively watched for years, to the beach under the guise of relaxing from the stressors of heading his family’s criminal organization. Ready to return to Camilla’s life, he plans to finally claim the woman he had to push away many years ago.

But when you’re the head of a crime family with many enemies, you can never escape your troubles. When a curse from an unseen enemy forces them to remain together or face certain death, coupled with frightening encounters from a ghostly presence, the pair wonder if they are being targeted by more than a rival criminal gang.

Full of questions and a fiery connection, the two must get to the truth behind what’s happening to them before it’s too late.

This is a friends to lovers, spicy, novella spin off of How to Fail at Escaping an Alpha Orc, which you don't have to read first.
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Liz E. Cooper

8 books119 followers

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
560 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2026
The Mafia Orc at the Beach and Me by Liz Cooper is a spicy paranormal romance. Harris is an orc whose family is involved in organized crime. Harris's life and family was frequently in danger and he and his brothers were abused by his father. Despite being in love with Camilla his concern for her safety forced him to push her away, but he never stopped.living or protecting her. Everything he has done.was in an effort to be able to one day have a life where Camilla would be safe by his side. However when they cross paths and he follows her to the beach they find themselves cursed with dark magic that will eventually kill both of them. The only thing keeping them alive is their proximity to one another. Harris seeks answers while coming clean and seeking a relationship with Camilla. Will they find a way to beat the curse and his enemies and trust one another or is it too late for them?
I really enjoyed this story. It was fast paced with plenty of action, suspense, and spice. I loved Camilla, she proves to be stronger than Harris expected both physically and mentally. Harris may be involved in organized crime but underneath his tough exterior is a man that cares about his family and Camilla, the perfect morally gray bad boy. I found it cute how he would side step Camilla's requests and leave her questioning what happened. The suspense and twists in the story kept me engaged to the very end.
If you enjoy paranormal romances with organized crime, second chances, action, suspense, plenty of twists, and lots of spice then this read is perfect for you!
Profile Image for Anastey.
623 reviews9 followers
March 19, 2026
Thank you Liz E. Cooper for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I wanted to love this one so much, and I'm usually a huge fan of Liz's books. Unfortunately it was a bit of a miss for me.

I knew into it there would be some stalker behavior, but how Harris acts is way over the top. He spent years stalking her down to putting camera where it could watch the entryway of her home. He spent the whole book stomping over her boundaries over and over again, while she just rolls over and accepts it. It ended it with his behavior continuing, and there was no resolution where he would tone it down or stop. He isn't going to change one bit.

Otherwise it was a great book. We get to hang out with characters from previous books, and I enjoyed seeing other types of magic in this world and digging in to more character pasts. The pacing was fantastic, and it was a very quick paced read. I did like the second chance romance, but it felt a bit forced at times. Harris is very intense and possessive (in a bad way). I hated how he had almost no personal growth, while the other characters did.

I really enjoyed Camilla overall, and she did have a lot of growth happen, especially with the past family trauma and slowly being more accepting of her own powers. I will read future books in the series, because I want to see more of how she grows into herself over time. I hope she learns to be better about standing up for herself too.
Profile Image for Sonya.
1,418 reviews57 followers
March 3, 2026
We met Harris in How to Fail at Escaping and Alpha Orc and he comes off as cold and ruthless (which he is) but being the head of the family crime syndicate he can’t show weakness. Harris and Camilla were childhood friends who were secretly pining over each other but as Harris became more intertwined in the family business he pulled away from Camille and stopped any and all communication with her; little did she know he had to hurt her to help her. Leave her to protect her. Harris was head over heels with Camilla because although he couldn’t be with her, she was never too far out of reach.

When a “chance” meeting at a bar reconnects Harris and Camilla; Harris learns that Camilla is setting out to take a relaxing vacation but when she and Harris are hit with a curse that forces them to remain close together or die; they have no choice but to find who is behind the curse as well as resolve any and all issues that stands before them.

This book has a bit of everything: Mafia vibe, Orcs, Elves, Portal Magic, Curses, Friends to Lovers and Spice. Watching Harris obsess over Camilla (just shy of stalking) and Camilla accepting Harris in all of ways good, bad and obsessive; she proved that she wasn’t a damsel in distress and that she was strong enough to stand by Harris’ side to face whatever is coming at them together.
423 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2026
Harris was in charge of the family business now that his father has passed. Harris is tough Orc but 15 years ago pushed away Camilla away, the women he loved to protect her, because of a death threat. Harris knew that that way his father ran the business as part of the Mafia he could not protect her. Now that he was running things Harris was trying to change things. He still had to be tough but was trying to do business in a better way. So, Harris decided to reconnect with Camilla. Can we say Harris is a control person? Oh, yes for sure he has been in her life even if she did not know it. Protecting her from afar. Now they are back together, oh dear there is a death threat over them that does not allow them to be away from each other. Now that Harris has a chance to make up for the missing years, what is pulling them apart? What are the portals that keep opening up? Is this because Camilla part elf and mage has suppressed her powers? What is the shadow character that seems to be trying to pull her into another realm? Liz has written a story showing how family can impact your life decisions and how you can change, grow, and learn to be partners. Do give this author a read you will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Rachel.
2,443 reviews134 followers
March 5, 2026
Is cozy mafia romance a thing? If it's not, then Liz Cooper has made it one. The Mafia Orc At The Beach and Me gives off OG mafia romance vibes with a controlling and possessive mafia boss who is utterly obsessed with his sweet but naive girl, who loves all the parts of him.


I like the friends-to-lovers trope. Harris and Camila had history, and not all of it was good, but the connection between them was undeniable. That part of the storyline had a familiar feel. This book was light and fun. I love the dynamic between the MCs, and I liked seeing a few familiar characters. Liz hit us with a fantastic plot twist, and suddenly everything made sense. The magic was top-notch as usual. There were new supernaturals, crazy magic, potions, psychics, and more. This was a nice read. Liz combined the cozy and mafia genres into a wonderful romance. Who knew? This is perfect if you're unsure about either genre, or if you're like me and enjoy both.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
207 reviews4 followers
March 6, 2026
This is a steamy, quick read that is in the same universe as How to Fail at Escaping an Alpha Orc, but can be read first, though you will miss out on some backstory of certain characters mentioned.

If you like non-human alphas who are hard-headed but secretly a big softy for those they love, along with a burn-the-world-down mentality, I think you would highly enjoy Harris as the leading orc in this book. It is a second-chance/revealed-feelings trope that covers a lot of story in this 15-chapter book.
And while I did enjoy Camilla, I felt she gave in way too easily for her strong, independent act. But hey, I guess orc d*ck can turn a strong woman needy. 🤷‍♀️ With that said, this book is heavy on the spice while still carrying on a plot line. There are some mentions of past abuse coming from Harris's father, and Harris is waving a lot of red flags that would send us running in real life, but oh so love, in our book men.
Profile Image for Angie .
406 reviews
March 7, 2026
A cute and spicy story about Harris and Camilla finally getting together after longing for the other for decades. They always loved each other but family commitments and Harris decision to step way for Camillas safety caused a rift between them.

Harris and Camilla are both very driven and independent. They had a fantastic relationship when they were younger and they both still have lingering feelings that will not go away.

Harris is so protective and obsessive about Camilla that he sometimes gets in his own way. His instincts tell him he is the only one who can keep Camilla safe after they have the death curse put on them. But Camilla is stronger and far more resilient than she gives herself credit for. She may not run a Mafia organization, but she can certainly hold her own. Especially when pushed too far.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,588 reviews72 followers
March 7, 2026
This was a fun friends to lovers romance and I loved seeing Harris and Camilla find their way together after ten years apart. He had to push her away when his father died to take over the mafia. However, he was able to keep tabs on her, all these years, giving this a gentle stalker vibe ;) With the intention of crashing her vacay, he heads off to be with her.... Sounds like great fun until they get cursed and have to literally stay together to stay alive. Yeppers, nothing like a curse to ramp things up. Lol! This story had so many elements that made it highly entertaining: mafia, orcs, elves, magic, curses, humour and hot spice. With themes of acceptance, growth and healing, I love that she showed him that she was strong enough to be by his side and that enabled them to have the fab and steamy HEA they both deserved. Good fun!
Profile Image for Kyrie.
14 reviews
February 17, 2026
This was the perfect read of you want short and spicy with a little mystery.

Harris, the seemingly cold orc we met in How to Fail at Escaping an Alpha Orc is finally read to claim Camilla, his childhood best friend, after fifteen years of separation. I loved how obsessed he was over Camilla and seeing both his controlling and his sweet sides.

"It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do: give her up. It was that whole, if you love someone, set them free thing. However, that time was over."

I liked how Camilla accepted both sides of him, bending at times, but establishing boundaries when necessary. Ultimately proving that she is strong enough to stand with Harris in this life.

I am thankful to Liz E. Cooper for the eARC.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
403 reviews2 followers
February 23, 2026
He's been pining for 15 years....
This story has it all, a bit of spice, a mafia boss orc, childhood crushes, protective OTT MMC. If you love those you're going to love this book. Harris finallly has his sights set on his one true love, Camilla. He pushed her away 15 years ago to keep her safe. Now that she's divorced, and back, he's going to make sure she's his too. Only when Cammy is on vacation, and Harris also happens to be there, something is after them and trying to get to them. Harris is sure it's because of who he is, Cammy isn't quite so sure. If you love your men brutish, stalkering, and more than a little stubborn, but still willing to burn the world down for you - this is the one for you.
Profile Image for Nicole Henderson.
842 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2026
I had so much fun reading this story! It’s a fast-paced, entertaining read that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Camilla and Harris share a deep history—they were once in love, but Harris broke her heart in an effort to protect her and set her free. Now, they’re thrown into a second-chance romance that’s anything but simple.
When Camilla heads to the beach, Harris follows, determined to win her back—but of course, things don’t go according to plan. With danger lurking and someone clearly after them, the stakes are high and the action doesn’t let up.
Expect plenty of laughs, chaos, and an orc hero who has to work hard to prove he’s worthy of the woman he never stopped loving. A fun, emotional, and exciting read!
Profile Image for Laci  Steimel.
760 reviews6 followers
March 2, 2026
Camilla and Harris made for an action packed adventure. I really enjoyed how Harris cared for Camilla and kept watching over her, even while she didn't know he cared. There was a wonderful depth to the characters, and I really felt connected with Camilla, she had the same thoughts I did, and it made for some hilarious banter. Fantastic world building, that has continued from previous books. It can be read as a standalone, but reading the other books gives an extra depth to this one, with lots of little tidbits that make us understand even more. Loved seeing Sam again! He always cracks me up. And Marcus and Daria! Such a fun read!
Profile Image for Libby Fowler .
621 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2026
Absolutely loved this book, it had a bit of everything! Mafia, an overprotective MMC, friends to lovers, magic!
Even though I rarely read mafia romances I always absolutely love them when I do and this one was even better as it involved supernaturals!

I absolutely adored our MMC Harris, he’s protective of our FMC and is just perfect. He was previously friends with our FMC Camilla but distanced himself years ago when his father died. But when Camilla returns after a divorce, he wants her and he’s determined to get her. Camilla takes a vacation, and Harris just happens to show up! They are however hit by a curse which pushes them together so they have to work out who is behind it!
Profile Image for Kira.
1,707 reviews
March 6, 2026
A monster romance at its finest, The Mafia Orc At The Beach And Me was a spicy orc novella perfect to kick off the Obsessed Mates series! Camilla and Harris have a complicated past. Harris's family business has kept him apart from Camilla, but he is done letting that define his heart for her, and now that she is back, divorced and single, he is not letting her go this time. Unfortunately, enemies are everywhere and this leads to an interesting situation for the two. This was a fun relatively short read. I really enjoyed these two characters, and while Harris is certainly very orc-like in his behavior, he really is the best for Camilla.
Profile Image for Theresa Masker.
231 reviews6 followers
March 8, 2026
I have been seeing Orc romance books all over. I can honestly say this is the first one I read. With that being said I'm so glad I gave this one a try. This is Harris & Camilla's story .Harris did the hardest thing anyone can do. He broke her heart by setting her free to protect her.
Fast forward 15 years. She's on vacation. He follows her there. He wants a second chance. She definitely doesn't make it easy for him.It doesn't go as planned when things get weird. Something or someone is after them.
Do they figure it out before it's too late? Do they get their happily ever after? Read this awesome book to find out the answers to that and so much more. You won't regret it
132 reviews1 follower
March 9, 2026
The Mafia Orc at the Beach and Me is a fun, fast monster romance with a great mix of spice, danger, and supernatural intrigue. The second-chance dynamic between Camilla and Harris adds emotional tension, and Harris definitely delivers on the possessive, obsessed orc hero vibes. The curse forcing them to stay together creates perfect forced-proximity tension, while the ghostly mystery adds an interesting twist to the story.

It’s a quick novella, so some parts move a bit fast, but overall it’s an entertaining and steamy read that monster romance fans will enjoy. Perfect if you’re looking for a short, spicy escape with mafia drama and magic mixed in.
Profile Image for Lene Blackthorn .
1,869 reviews7 followers
March 9, 2026
Camilla and Harris were friends as kids, but as they grew up, they got estranged, mainly because of Harris being the heir to a mafia family and not wanting Camilla to be part of that world at all. Now, 15 years later they manage to reconnect and explore their feelings, only with the added bonus of a deadly curse and shadow creatures leaking through portals...
This adventurous, dramatic, and darkish supernatural mafia romance standalone was quite fun to read. I personally do have some trouble to 100% accept this type of MC which is simply "too much", but for the main characters this dynamics seemed to work perfectly. Side characters are also great. Steam is of course present :) Enjoy!
Profile Image for Monique.
918 reviews1 follower
March 8, 2026
I enjoyed this story a lot more than I expected!
The backstory of Harris and his family is savage and horrifying - to be expected of a Mafia family I suppose. Camilla is sweet and I liked how she did not backdown from setting healthy boundaries once things got fixed between them. Marcus, hm, the one brother I’d like to know more about. I actually liked all the characters, and the story was well crafted. Fun, little serious too but all good, well and a little bit of naughty — come on, all those years of pent up yearning!
976 reviews4 followers
March 9, 2026
Liz gives us the Awesome standalone beginning to a new series! Camilla (elf and mage) and Harris (leader of an orc mafia family) have a long backstory from their childhoods, but Harris brutally cut ties with her to protect her from his family's doings. Now she's back after a divorce and he's determined to get her to be with him. Dive into this beautifully written story with complex characters and plot twists that keep you turning pages throughout. I loved reading this story and highly recommend it. Don't miss out on this book!!
Profile Image for Chey.
1,499 reviews50 followers
March 10, 2026
Harris walked out of Camilia's life years ago and now he's ready to reenter it via a surprise meet up at the beach under the guise of relaxing. But when you're family runs one of the biggest mafia organizations, relaxing isn't always an option.

This was a pretty quick read, but it did take some time for me to get into. I wasn't really sold on the story for the first couple of chapters, but things did finally start to pick up and then the book flew by. Harris and Camilla are cute together, and the have a pretty intense chemistry.

Overall rating
4 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
3 🌶🌶🌶
Profile Image for Jessica.
939 reviews
March 5, 2026
Harris was a total stalker with his long time infatuation Camilla ,who he pushed away to keep her out of his mafia life. While I wouldn’t consider this to be a dark read, maybe his stalky behavior could make others think differently. I thought this was a cute paranormal read. If you’re looking for a very protective(if a bit controlling)orc mmc and a half elf/half mage sassy(if a bit stubborn) fmc with mafia ties, shadow drama, and some heat…then this is for you.
Profile Image for Denise Wengert.
401 reviews
March 7, 2026
Camilla and Harris were once best friends…until Harris pushed her away to try and protect her from his mafia family. He always hoped that they could reunite and be together so he kept tabs on her. After deciding to follow her on her vacation, a curse impacts them both and they have to stay together while trying to fix the curse. Can Harris convince Camilla that he always loved her? This was a cute book that was easy and fast to read.
Profile Image for Erin.
88 reviews
March 8, 2026
This book has mafia romance, second chance romance, obsessive romance, touch her and unalive romance, best friend romance all in one story. Plus the MMC is an ORC ;-) IYKYK The FMC is an elf/mage combo. There was some hurt (by the MMCs abandonment as new adults, although he stalks her the entire time he pushed her away) followed by comfort. Great storyline and nummy spice, great little book all around.
Profile Image for Belinda Clemons.
2,514 reviews29 followers
March 11, 2026
When Camilla an Elf/mage goes to the beach for a vacation the last person she thinks to see is her estranged best friend Orc Harris. He's been watching her for all these years having regretting pushing her away because of his job as head of a crime family. Now because of a curse they are bound together or have to face death. Now the two have to work together to find out the truth all the while falling in love and trying to stay alive.
Profile Image for Lexi.
1,041 reviews20 followers
March 20, 2026
I had so much fun reading this story. It was a fun and fast paced read that kept me entertained the entire time. Camilla and Harris loved each other a long time ago but Harris broke her heart to set her free and keep her safe. Now we get their second chance romance. Camilla goes to the beach and Harris follows her wanting to get her back. Things don’t go as planned at all a someone is after them. Get ready for lots of laughs and an orc having to work hard to win the woman he loves back.
Profile Image for Sarah.
90 reviews6 followers
February 15, 2026
I will never get enough of this interconnected world! I love that the characters are on the older side. This book follows MCs who reconnect after 15 years. They were friends growing up but had a falling out. Liz e Cooper writes the best plots to bring the MCs together. It is the perfect standalone if you are looking for something short, spicy and fun; and you can read the rest of the standalones if you want more of their world.
Profile Image for Etasha Ruggs.
138 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2026
It has been 15 years since Camilla has seen or spoken to Harris. Then, after one encounter things change. Their story has them bound magic and they are forced to face some truths about themselves and each other that they aren't quite ready to admit. I enjoyed watching them tackle their personal and outside issues while growing together.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,324 reviews33 followers
February 23, 2026
Thank you for the ARC! I do love an ORC!!!

Camille and Harris, he left to save her. But now, he's back and he's not going to stop until he gets what he wants. Only something is holding them and causing problems. Can they make it through this and have a HEA? Or will something cause them to split up again?

Profile Image for Cleocutie.
3,204 reviews25 followers
March 3, 2026
Harris and Camilla were childhood friends who lost touch and reconnected by chance (or so Camilla thinks, at least). Then a curse happens and they are stuck staying close together as they try to figure out who cursed them and break the curse. I love their interactions and how Camilla isn’t afraid to stand up for herself.
Profile Image for Suzanne McNeill Taviner.
2,239 reviews11 followers
March 3, 2026
This was an interesting read. I loved the give and take in Harris and Camilla's relationship. They'd been friends through childhood but no romance between them, even though both wanted it! Now that Harris had started to clean up him family's mafia dealings he wants Camilla back in his life. Great read with lots of twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews