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Espresso For The Orc
Not yet published
Expected 10 Apr 26Honey 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.
247 pages, Unknown Binding
Expected publication April 10, 2026
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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
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!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews