Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Treated by the Ogre

Rate this book
Everyone knows ogres don't get loved. But that isn't going to stop Kresh from treating her like a princess.


I'm starting my new life new job, new town, new outlook on life. And my own guiding don't rely on any man.

After my car breaks down on my way to a Halloween party, right in front of the ogre's house, I'm forced to ask for a ride. He's green, burly, and incredibly grumpy.
Why can't I stop thinking about him?

How can I hold onto my resolve when Kresh's treats overwhelm all my senses?

Treated by the Ogre is a cozy, spicy fall-themed mid-life romance between a woman starting a new life and an ogre who believes love isn't written in the stars for him...Until he meets her.

Welcome to Spice-tember! Treated by the Ogre is the perfect steamy short to start off your spooky season.

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 30, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Jilli Waters

24 books41 followers
I write swoony, sweet & spicy small-town romances full of sassy heroines and the hunks that fall for them.

Find my newsletter at: http://www.jilliwaters.com
Free novella at: https://BookHip.com/HPHQNVT

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
20 (50%)
4 stars
15 (37%)
3 stars
5 (12%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Jen Reading.
483 reviews7 followers
September 30, 2026
Kresh is reclusive, not great with people (human or other), and his words sometimes come out harsher than he means. But with Mellie, everything changes. He is so devoted and eager to please that it's impossible not to fall for him. I loved how hard he tries, both to rein in his ogre instincts and with his attempts to show her he cares for her. His honey tasting date is so cute!

Mellie's divorce hit her self-esteem and mental health hard, so her hesitation to jump into a new serious relationship is understandable. Kresh is determined not to be anything like Mellie's ex-husband. To him, she's the most beautiful woman in the world, and heaven help anyone who says otherwise.

Watching her realize Kresh's quiet, steady care is the real thing is heartwarming. Their story is cute and tender, and I enjoyed every moment. A great pick for readers who want a quick, sweet monster romance with a big, growly, antisocial MMC who is completely gooey for his mate!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,505 reviews38 followers
October 1, 2026
This novella is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, sweet and steamy, size difference, contemporary fantasy romance between Mellie, the female human teacher lead, and Kresh, the male ogre rancher/beekeeper lead. I enjoyed Kresh’s compassion and care for the world around him, even as he acted reclusive. I empathised with Mellie’s historical trauma and enjoyed seeing her recover and engage with the world, and Kresh in particular. I enjoyed the developing relationship and the steamy intimate scenes. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters. I enjoyed the sweet and happy ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Alejandra Guerrero.
1,948 reviews9 followers
September 30, 2026
Mellie and Kresh were such a sweet couple, and I appreciated that I could actually understand their motivations. Mellie is a divorcee who is trying to move forward with her life, while Kresh is a loner orc who lives in a cozy little town in the desert, and spends his days taking care of his bees. He’s ridiculously adorable underneath the grumpy exterior. And he’s such a sweetheart: calm, respectful, and completely in love with Mellie. The spice was good, and there’s also some “honey play.”

Overall, it was a sweet and cozy romance, with lovable characters, a fun setting, and an orc who is basically a teddy bear… honey included.
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,598 reviews97 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 28, 2026
Sweet/steamy ogre romance... Cute and funny fated mates with happily-ever-after.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
2,979 reviews20 followers
October 3, 2026
Mellie may have sworn off relying on men, but apparently nobody warned her that her fresh start might include a giant green ogre, a broken-down car, and quite possibly the sweetest honey-tasting date ever.

Treated by the Ogre was such a cute, cozy little surprise! Mellie is starting over after a divorce that left her confidence badly shaken. She's moved to a new town, started a new job, and made one very important rule for herself: she isn't going to depend on a man again. Then her car breaks down in Kresh's driveway on her way to a Halloween party, and suddenly that new independent life gets a little more complicated.

Kresh absolutely made this story for me. He's reclusive, grumpy, not particularly good with people, and sometimes sounds much harsher than he actually intends. Underneath all that growling, though, is an incredibly gentle man who spends his days ranching and caring for his bees. The difference between how intimidating he appears and how tender he actually is with Mellie was adorable.

And once Kresh realizes Mellie is his mate? He's a goner.

What I loved most was that he doesn't simply scoop Mellie up and decide everything for her, even though every ogre instinct is telling him to do exactly that. He knows she's been hurt. He knows she needs to make her own choices. So as much as he wants to throw her over his shoulder and take her home, he makes himself slow down and gives her the space to come to him.

That made his protectiveness so much sweeter.

I also understood why Mellie was hesitant. Her marriage didn't just end; it changed the way she sees herself and relationships. Kresh treats her so differently from her ex that she almost doesn't know what to do with him. He sees her as beautiful, wants to care for her, and has absolutely no intention of allowing anyone—including Mellie herself—to convince him she's anything less than wonderful.

Watching her slowly realize that Kresh's care isn't something she needs to protect herself from was probably my favorite part of their story. She's learning that starting over doesn't necessarily mean doing everything alone. Sometimes independence can also mean being free to choose someone who treats you well.

And seriously, the honey-tasting date was ridiculously cute. Who knew a grumpy ogre beekeeper could be such a romantic?

There is plenty of chemistry and heat between them, but underneath it is a surprisingly tender relationship between two people who both need a new beginning. Mellie needs to discover that she can trust and love again, while Kresh needs to realize that maybe ogres do get to be loved after all.

Treated by the Ogre was sweet, steamy, cozy, and heartwarming, with just the right amount of Halloween atmosphere. I loved watching Mellie find her confidence again and watching this big, antisocial ogre turn into an absolute teddy bear for the woman he loves. Sometimes a fresh start comes from the last place you'd expect—even if that place happens to have green skin, a grumpy attitude, and really good honey.
Profile Image for Naomi D .
16 reviews
October 5, 2026
This book is absolutely brilliant!
Dual POV, fast paced, left me craving more.
I wanted so much of these two and would have been happy with a 700 page book just about them honestly. The way this was written is cute and genuinely funny. I was belly laughing a couple times which is not something I do often at books!

Kresh prefers the company of himself and his bees.
Mellie is still new to town and finding her feet.
Together we see them go through a whirlwind of emotions in such a short book and every single word was worth it.

I also appreciate that because it's a novella, the chapters were short and easy to read. I see 7 pages and I think "yeah I have time for that." unlike some books that take me 45 minutes to get through one chapter and leave me drained.
This one keeps you entertained from the very first page. You learn the bare basics about these characters yet still find yourself invested in their story.

I've never read a Jilli Waters book (had one sitting waiting for a little while) but honestly the writing style is my exact cup of tea. It's simple without feeling childish, every moment being carefully crafted to fit into a novella format. I will definitely be reading more of her works in future and I 100% recommend this to anyone wanting to dip their toes into a monster romance without anything too out there.
1,164 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 28, 2026
There is nothing that makes a story more sweet than when an Ogre who is reclusive and grumpy when he meets his mate. Mellie has just gotten through a divorce and was so badly hurt it has affected everything for her. She has moved to a whole new town to start over and now she has had her vehicle break down in a strangers driveway. He has one word answers and comes across grumpy but with her she notices that his face expression softens around her and there is this electric feeling when she is near him. Kresh has to fight the urge to just throw his mate over his shoulder and take her home with him. He needed to let her come to him. This was such a cute story I so enjoyed every single moment of this story and these two are so meant for one another there is nothing more heartwarming then being able to go on this journey with these two as they navigate this new relationship. This is a must read!
Profile Image for A.W..
5 reviews
September 30, 2026
High spice with a big dollop of honey

The MMC is the perfect definition of a "gentle giant." He might look terrifying to the rest of the world, but the way he treats the MFC is pure devotion. Even when she is a (likeable) brat sometimes 😉
And I love that we get to read a monster romance about an ogre! I rarely see ogres as the love interest in books.

The chemistry between the main characters sizzles right off the page, but it’s the emotional connection and the way he takes care of her that completely stole my heart.

The pacing was fantastic, and I couldn't put it down. I can’t wait to read Jilli’s next book!

Thank you to the author for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
2,982 reviews13 followers
October 4, 2026
Sweet as honey!

Westfang is the farthest Mellie can get from the ex-husband who ruined her life. Her new life includes teaching teenagers, spending time with her new BFF, and definitely no relationships. A wrong turn on her way to a Halloween costume party and a dead engine strand her at an ogre’s ranch.

It took only a few minutes after Kresh dropped Mellie off at the correct ranch to realize that she was his fated mate. Not that it would make any difference. A beautiful woman like her wouldn’t want an ugly, bald ogre who could barely string two words together the whole time they were together.

This is a cute monster romance with a high steam score. Adult readers only! I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Tasha.
1,968 reviews5 followers
October 4, 2026
Treated by the Ogre by Jilli Waters was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the unique setup and the chemistry between the characters. The story had plenty of heat, but it also gave the characters enough personality and emotional connection to keep me invested beyond the romance. I especially enjoyed the ogre character and the way the relationship developed. The book was entertaining, easy to get into, and delivered the kind of escapism I look for in a monster romance. Overall, Treated by the Ogre is a quick, spicy read that kept me entertained from beginning to end!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
7,145 reviews79 followers
October 4, 2026
This was a fun read and Kresh and Mellie were such a cute couple. He's a loner, a bee keeper and not really sociable. She's fresh off a divorce that's hit her self esteem and mental health, so she's reticent about starting up a new anything with a man. However, Kresh was so gone for her that he really pulled out all the stops to show her he was it for her. He was such a sweetheart under that grumpy ogre exterior ;P Expect to get caught up in this sweet and steamy romance set in a cozy town when you dive into this engaging read. I loved it and can't wait for what's next by this author :D
Profile Image for Yugie Caroline.
431 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2026
Give me a monster, fated mates romance where the MMC is super protective, possessive, and devoted to his mate, and I'm sure to devour it with gusto. Then make it sweet, low angst, with lots of tender heat and warm spice...oh, I'm gonna consume it in no time. That is exactly what my experience had been with this book by Jilli Waters, and she's definitely already become my go-to author for sweet and spicy monster romances that I know will leave me a delightfully satisfied reader.

I'm a grateful recipient of a free advanced review copy of this book. I give this honest review fully voluntarily.
Profile Image for Johanna.
6,793 reviews121 followers
October 5, 2026
'Treated by the Ogre is a cozy, spicy fall-themed mid-life romance between a woman starting a new life and an ogre who believes love isn't written in the stars for him...Until he meets her.'

The characters were very appealing and likeable and complicated and absolutely perfect together. Plot was intriguing and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Meesh Reads.
272 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2026
Jilli is one of those “if she writes it I read it” authors.

I was so excited to head back to Westfang for another short and sweet story, and an ORGE one this time? Yes please.

I relate so much to Mellie, it’s crazy. Bigger girl, out of bad relationship, works in a high school? Literally was me. And then she meets Kresh, this awkward grumpy beekeeping ogre who is obsessed with her the second he meets her.

Fun, spicy, sweet, all of it. I love it.
608 reviews13 followers
September 30, 2026
This one was sweet. The ogre is a bit harsh even with his own kind preferring to be alone with his hives. And our lovely FMC was just betrayed by her husband and has divorced and moved far away. This was their story of coming together while she still has a lot to work thru in her heart and head. I do love the side characters and how they also get an HEA. I especially loved the scene with they used honey in bed.
Profile Image for Syndi.
56 reviews
October 2, 2026
This was so super cute!
The book starts with Mellie dressed as an owl trying to find a Halloween party at a ranch and her car dies at Kresh's house, an ogre. Some funny misunderstandings, a ride to the real party and poof! We have a mate bond.

It was really interesting to read about a FMC who isn't immediately jazzed with the idea of a mate but there's definitely a HEA at the end, topped off with some funny scenes.
41 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
This was a quick read with enough angst between the MCs to tone down the Sweet a bit. She's been through it, moved to a new town to get away from her ex, wanting to start over. He's been anti crowd so long that he didn't realize he was lonely. One chance encounter and he's sporting a brand new mate mark.
I loved Mellie and Kresh, and the Sweet little town!
436 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2026
Sweet and spicy romance as Mellie falls for Ogre Kresh
Kresh knows right away that the new schoolteacher Mellie is his mate, but he needs to restrain himself so he doesn't scare her off. But Mellie too feels an instant attraction to the big ogre who fixes her broken down car. Enjoy as she falls for Kresh as he romances her.
797 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2026
A Halloween party is out of the comfort zone for Mellie but totally worth it as is Kresh's decision to join. These two figuring each other out in this fresh start fall romance makes this a lovely and spicy quick read for fall.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Melanie Purcell.
1,095 reviews7 followers
October 15, 2026
Kresh is adorable with his fierce devotion to Mellie despite his preference for solitude and grumpy facade. Mellie fits him perfectly and finds her happy place. I love their passion and the hiccups as they find their way. So many great characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Plainfilm .
371 reviews1 follower
October 19, 2026
An ogre who needs to learn to love himself meets a recently divorce woman who needs to learn to trust him too. A fun quick romance with HEA that she makes him work a little to earn. Unique and heartwarming with a few laughs. Recommended for sure.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Carol-Ann.
116 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2026
This is a nice, low angst, easy, fated mates, read in one sitting book. I enjoyed the heat between Kresh and Mellie. Their worries were easy to overcome and I read the book quickly, enjoying the chemistry between the characters.
1,890 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2026
I think this is a great novella, with newly single Mellie and Kresh, the introvert.
Every scene brings a smile to my face, even the ones where they have to work through their differences. This is a very good read!
2,997 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2026
I found this story good, but some smaller parts are a bit boring to me as I don't understand how more that one partner at a time can work. I would not mind reading more in this series. I voluntarely review this book.
1,073 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2026
Kresh is so absolutely adorable!!!! I love his devotion to Mellie. It’s almost like a care/devotion kink for him🤭🥰😍🔥🔥🔥.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Christina.
472 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
September 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this book even though I didn't like how Mellie treated Kresh at first. But I understood where she was coming from. I'm just happy that she finally realized he's perfect for her!
8 reviews
September 30, 2026
A very charming and sweet story about a curvy women and the Ogre that are her destiny, in my taste it could have been a bit more spicy, but it's a book well worth reading !
I can highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Ingrid Spera.
1,220 reviews29 followers
October 1, 2026
So cute

Very sweet grumpy x sunshine instalove read with enough hints of drama and open door spice to satisfy. Definitely a cute fun bite size read.
Profile Image for Debbie Benson.
11.7k reviews42 followers
October 2, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how a fresh start and a car breakdown leads to love and mating for Kresh and Mellie.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews