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Espresso For The Orc
Honey inherits Velvet Claw Coffeehouse after her godmother Linda passes, a cozy little coffee shop in Emberfall, a monster town that has never had a human-owned business.
Winning over the locals is a challenge, but she isn't facing it alone. The city assigns her Fenlor, a quiet and steady orc who wants to help more than he lets on.
As Honey learns the magic of Emberfall and the secrets within herself, working beside Fenlor might be the thing that finally proves to the town, and to Honey, that she truly belongs.
Winning over the locals is a challenge, but she isn't facing it alone. The city assigns her Fenlor, a quiet and steady orc who wants to help more than he lets on.
As Honey learns the magic of Emberfall and the secrets within herself, working beside Fenlor might be the thing that finally proves to the town, and to Honey, that she truly belongs.
- GenresFantasy
247 pages, Unknown Binding
Published April 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 19, 2026
such a feel good story 🫶
Review of advance copy received from Author
*****Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Espresso for the Orc is written in a cozy monster small town style, which is a trope I usually enjoy a lot. The premise and characters definitely had potential, and the idea behind the story was charming. Unfortunately, the execution left me wanting more.
One of the main issues was the pacing. Several important elements felt rushed, which made it difficult to fully understand the world or feel immersed in the story. Emberfall, for example, is barely explored. We only know that it is a magical small town, but the setting never really comes alive on the page.
The characters also felt underdeveloped. Honey is a barista, but beyond that, we learn almost nothing about her personality or background. The same goes for Fenlor. He is introduced as a magical orc, yet we never really get to know him as a character.
Most of the story unfolds almost entirely through dialogue, with very little description, world-building, or internal reflection. Because of this, it was hard to emotionally connect with the characters or feel truly inside the story.
This is a book with clear potential, but the lack of depth in both the world and the characters made the experience less engaging than it could have been.
Overall, I am giving this book 3 stars.
Espresso for the Orc is written in a cozy monster small town style, which is a trope I usually enjoy a lot. The premise and characters definitely had potential, and the idea behind the story was charming. Unfortunately, the execution left me wanting more.
One of the main issues was the pacing. Several important elements felt rushed, which made it difficult to fully understand the world or feel immersed in the story. Emberfall, for example, is barely explored. We only know that it is a magical small town, but the setting never really comes alive on the page.
The characters also felt underdeveloped. Honey is a barista, but beyond that, we learn almost nothing about her personality or background. The same goes for Fenlor. He is introduced as a magical orc, yet we never really get to know him as a character.
Most of the story unfolds almost entirely through dialogue, with very little description, world-building, or internal reflection. Because of this, it was hard to emotionally connect with the characters or feel truly inside the story.
This is a book with clear potential, but the lack of depth in both the world and the characters made the experience less engaging than it could have been.
Overall, I am giving this book 3 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was really excited for this story, and so happy to receive it as an ARC from the author.
When I read the blurb I thought this is really for me, coffee shops and orcs are my main favourites. The plot seemed also interesting, however...
It was sadly not fully developed. The storytelling felt kind of rushed at parts, the depth of the main characters remained unexplored. They just quickly jumped in bed with each other, but their real feelings didn't get to be seen, despite the importance of bonding for orcs.
The mystery part of the novel was something that kept me reading, I found myself thinking and guessing who the culprit might be. That was a fun part, however at the climax of the story it also felt somehow rushed.
Anyway, all in all this was not a bad story despite the few hiccups. If you're looking for a short, nice cozy-spicy story with some tension, mystery and coffee that makes your mouth watering (definitely need recipes!!), I recommend it!
When I read the blurb I thought this is really for me, coffee shops and orcs are my main favourites. The plot seemed also interesting, however...
It was sadly not fully developed. The storytelling felt kind of rushed at parts, the depth of the main characters remained unexplored. They just quickly jumped in bed with each other, but their real feelings didn't get to be seen, despite the importance of bonding for orcs.
The mystery part of the novel was something that kept me reading, I found myself thinking and guessing who the culprit might be. That was a fun part, however at the climax of the story it also felt somehow rushed.
Anyway, all in all this was not a bad story despite the few hiccups. If you're looking for a short, nice cozy-spicy story with some tension, mystery and coffee that makes your mouth watering (definitely need recipes!!), I recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rating: 4 ⭐️
Spice: 3 🌶️
Tropes: orc x human... • working through grief • small town • knotting • grumpy/sunshine
I received an advance review copy (ARC) and am sharing my honest, unbiased review.
This read was cute. Such a sweet story, and lovely characters. I enjoyed the story and the setting a lot.
Unfortunately, there was a lot going on in the story, and the cost was getting to know the characters on a deeper level. Getting a good feel for their feelings, so to speak 😉 This left parts of the story a bit undeveloped, like Honey meeting Fenlor’s parents, it doesn't really go anywhere, no big feelings are revealed for or against the pairing.
But I liked the book anyway, it was cozy and sweet, and the spice was decent.
This book is for you if you are looking for a small town, cozy read about people finding their footing in a new place.
Spice: 3 🌶️
Tropes: orc x human... • working through grief • small town • knotting • grumpy/sunshine
I received an advance review copy (ARC) and am sharing my honest, unbiased review.
This read was cute. Such a sweet story, and lovely characters. I enjoyed the story and the setting a lot.
Unfortunately, there was a lot going on in the story, and the cost was getting to know the characters on a deeper level. Getting a good feel for their feelings, so to speak 😉 This left parts of the story a bit undeveloped, like Honey meeting Fenlor’s parents, it doesn't really go anywhere, no big feelings are revealed for or against the pairing.
But I liked the book anyway, it was cozy and sweet, and the spice was decent.
This book is for you if you are looking for a small town, cozy read about people finding their footing in a new place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Lavender is back with another perfect hallmark-cozy, monster romance!! This may be my new favorite romance of hers!! She always creates the most magical worlds that have me wanting to jump straight into the book! When Honey moves to Emberfall, she finds not only herself but so much more than she could ever dream of!! As she takes over a magical coffee shop full of monsters & shifters, she discovers that there may be more magic in her life than she originally thought. I loved seeing her journey of getting to know herself while she falls for a grumpy, cinnamon roll Orc who would do anything for her. Espresso for the Orc is full of mystery, magic, found family, hope and a bit of spice. I’m so looking forward to seeing this world develop and getting to know more of the amazing creatures living in Emberfall!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Espresso For the Orc had all the ingredients to be a delicious book:
◇ cozy fantasy
◇ monster inhabited small town
◇ fated mates
◇ magical coffee shop
◇ mysterious sabotage
It was a cute story and easy enough to read. However, it all just fell flat. This magical town of creatures, Emberfall, is never really explored or gone into detail. The main characters, Honey and Fenlor, felt one dimensional, and I didn't really connect to either one. The ending and mystery of who was behind the sabotage felt rushed. Overall, I think giving some more detail and life to the world and characters would really make this book stand out.
◇ cozy fantasy
◇ monster inhabited small town
◇ fated mates
◇ magical coffee shop
◇ mysterious sabotage
It was a cute story and easy enough to read. However, it all just fell flat. This magical town of creatures, Emberfall, is never really explored or gone into detail. The main characters, Honey and Fenlor, felt one dimensional, and I didn't really connect to either one. The ending and mystery of who was behind the sabotage felt rushed. Overall, I think giving some more detail and life to the world and characters would really make this book stand out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book.
4.5 rounded up to 5
I am a sucker for a cozy monster town and I really enjoyed my first visit to Emberfall! Honey, a human, inherits a magical coffee shop from her godmother and needs the help of Fenlor the orc to keep the magic working as well as figuring out who is sabotaging her shop.
This was such a cute story. It is short, so there may not be as much in depth world building as some people expect the first book in a series to have but I didn’t find that it took anything away from the story, I still had a good time.
4.5 rounded up to 5
I am a sucker for a cozy monster town and I really enjoyed my first visit to Emberfall! Honey, a human, inherits a magical coffee shop from her godmother and needs the help of Fenlor the orc to keep the magic working as well as figuring out who is sabotaging her shop.
This was such a cute story. It is short, so there may not be as much in depth world building as some people expect the first book in a series to have but I didn’t find that it took anything away from the story, I still had a good time.
June 23, 2026
I thought this was a super cute story, very cozy!
I do feel like it was a little underwhelming though in character & town development. We gather very little information about the town other than it's a magical place and when it comes to the lovely characters we are introduced to, we learn almost nothing about them. Which was really sad because they had so much potential.
I'd love to see this re-released someday in a longer format so we can really feel more connected to this awesome town and wonderful characters.
I do feel like it was a little underwhelming though in character & town development. We gather very little information about the town other than it's a magical place and when it comes to the lovely characters we are introduced to, we learn almost nothing about them. Which was really sad because they had so much potential.
I'd love to see this re-released someday in a longer format so we can really feel more connected to this awesome town and wonderful characters.
June 25, 2026
Great read
If you are looking for a completely charming, feel-good escape, this book is exactly what you need. It is a very cutesy story filled with cozy vibes that will instantly put a smile on your face.
The highlight of the book is definitely Fenlor—he is incredibly sweet, and you can't help but fall in love with his character. It is a wonderfully quick, nice read that moves along at a great pace, making it the perfect choice for a lazy afternoon or a quick reading break.
Highly recommended if you want something lighthearted and heartwarming!
If you are looking for a completely charming, feel-good escape, this book is exactly what you need. It is a very cutesy story filled with cozy vibes that will instantly put a smile on your face.
The highlight of the book is definitely Fenlor—he is incredibly sweet, and you can't help but fall in love with his character. It is a wonderfully quick, nice read that moves along at a great pace, making it the perfect choice for a lazy afternoon or a quick reading break.
Highly recommended if you want something lighthearted and heartwarming!
June 26, 2026
Oh Honey!
I enjoyed reading about Honey and Fenlor.
I'm a huge fan of human/monster fated mates. Lavender did a great job adding in the spice, the connection, found family, a little bit of humor, and secrets and sabotage.
It wasn't overly done and well written.
Fenlor, and Orc and magic ward was a protector of the best kind, sweet, and hot.
Honey was sweet, smart, and fiesty.
Both together made great FMC and MMCs.
You won't regret this read!
I enjoyed reading about Honey and Fenlor.
I'm a huge fan of human/monster fated mates. Lavender did a great job adding in the spice, the connection, found family, a little bit of humor, and secrets and sabotage.
It wasn't overly done and well written.
Fenlor, and Orc and magic ward was a protector of the best kind, sweet, and hot.
Honey was sweet, smart, and fiesty.
Both together made great FMC and MMCs.
You won't regret this read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man this was so cute
Honey was given the coffee shop by her God mother, she was a human handling a magical coffee shop so not everyone was welcoming.
Fenlor the grumpy Orc didn't seem pleased about Honey but done his job but he soon starts seeing Honey in a different way.
I had so much fun with the small cosy monster town and I hope we get to see more from this town!
Honey was given the coffee shop by her God mother, she was a human handling a magical coffee shop so not everyone was welcoming.
Fenlor the grumpy Orc didn't seem pleased about Honey but done his job but he soon starts seeing Honey in a different way.
I had so much fun with the small cosy monster town and I hope we get to see more from this town!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this for an ARC reader review! It was short and sweet. The world wasn't touched on too much, but I was fine with that. It was fast paced and character driven, so it's awesome for a low impact read. The biggest perks of the book for me were: Hot RESPECTFUL orc mmc? Love that! And two fumbling cuties who awkwardly flirt at 1st 😍 yes please!
March 12, 2026
This was such a cute cozy monster romance! It was a quick easy read i really enjoyed it! You have a human girl, a grumpy orc and a magical coffee shop with a little mystery to solve what more could you ask for! Definitely recommend!
June 25, 2026
Fantastic read
This was a great book. I love the story and the characters. Super hot scenes but overall a fantastic read. I'd love to know if Lottie and Julian get together. Love it all.
This was a great book. I love the story and the characters. Super hot scenes but overall a fantastic read. I'd love to know if Lottie and Julian get together. Love it all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cozy Fantasy
Monster romance
Dual pov
A little bit of spice
Magical monster town
Cafe sabotage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Monster romance
Dual pov
A little bit of spice
Magical monster town
Cafe sabotage
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
dnf-2026
May 16, 2026DNF 12% just not doing anything for me.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews