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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.25/5 ⭐
1/3 🌶️
I love a bully romance and I love a monster romance but this wasn't quite what I was expecting. The grovelling apologies, the ex-girlfriend, the lack of world building.. it all really got to me and I didn't quite care to make it to the ending.
1/3 🌶️
I love a bully romance and I love a monster romance but this wasn't quite what I was expecting. The grovelling apologies, the ex-girlfriend, the lack of world building.. it all really got to me and I didn't quite care to make it to the ending.
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I received a free copy of the audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for a review - thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!
The Orc and the Innkeeper is a revenge fantasy masquerading as a cozy romantic fantasy. Mariah, a human, owns an inn but doesn't have the money to remediate a pixie dust mite infestation - but she can't afford NOT to either. Thorak, an orc, is her high school bully and tormentor - who meets with a human investor in the common room of Mariah's inn and she overhears him say he has a human fiancee. Well, it turns out there is no fiancee, no partner and certainly no human in his life - but knowing his family is rich, Mariah strikes a deal: She'll play the part of his fiancee if he'll foot the 20k bill to get rid of her infestation, and he agrees.
The characters fell flat for me. There's build at the start of some promising world-building and character history, with Mariah talking about how she's spent 10 years successfully avoiding him because she is still hurt and angry over how he treated her. Having financial incentive to team up with him makes sense, but it feels like although she brings up her hurt and anger throughout it doesn't ever feel fully resolved in a way that makes their relationship progression make sense. Also mean boy is mean because he liked pretty girl is just so..... so painfully stereotypical.
There is fantasy racism - orcs hate humans because of what sounds like at the very least a forced "migration" if not outright genocide (it was somewhat tip-toed around) and of course humans seem to largely be bigoted towards all/any magical creatures. I don't feel qualified to speak towards the issues that have been pointed out by many Black book influencers regarding the use of orcs in fantasy as a substitution for Black people - if you pull the fantasy elements, it shows.
Anyway, if you've dreamed of making a man grovel while he's pleasuring you, you may enjoy this.
The audiobook narrators did a good job - I found them to be easy to understand and they brought the characters more to life than I feel like they would have been were I just reading off the page. I have early stages of (genetic) hearing loss, I am not yet eligible for hearing aids however I do sometimes really struggle with audiobooks due to it if I'm struggling to understand the narrator - sometimes it has to do with their enunciation, sometimes accent, sometimes audio quality. I did not have any issues with those in this case, I'm happy to say.
The Orc and the Innkeeper is a revenge fantasy masquerading as a cozy romantic fantasy. Mariah, a human, owns an inn but doesn't have the money to remediate a pixie dust mite infestation - but she can't afford NOT to either. Thorak, an orc, is her high school bully and tormentor - who meets with a human investor in the common room of Mariah's inn and she overhears him say he has a human fiancee. Well, it turns out there is no fiancee, no partner and certainly no human in his life - but knowing his family is rich, Mariah strikes a deal: She'll play the part of his fiancee if he'll foot the 20k bill to get rid of her infestation, and he agrees.
The characters fell flat for me. There's build at the start of some promising world-building and character history, with Mariah talking about how she's spent 10 years successfully avoiding him because she is still hurt and angry over how he treated her. Having financial incentive to team up with him makes sense, but it feels like although she brings up her hurt and anger throughout it doesn't ever feel fully resolved in a way that makes their relationship progression make sense. Also mean boy is mean because he liked pretty girl is just so..... so painfully stereotypical.
There is fantasy racism - orcs hate humans because of what sounds like at the very least a forced "migration" if not outright genocide (it was somewhat tip-toed around) and of course humans seem to largely be bigoted towards all/any magical creatures. I don't feel qualified to speak towards the issues that have been pointed out by many Black book influencers regarding the use of orcs in fantasy as a substitution for Black people - if you pull the fantasy elements, it shows.
Anyway, if you've dreamed of making a man grovel while he's pleasuring you, you may enjoy this.
The audiobook narrators did a good job - I found them to be easy to understand and they brought the characters more to life than I feel like they would have been were I just reading off the page. I have early stages of (genetic) hearing loss, I am not yet eligible for hearing aids however I do sometimes really struggle with audiobooks due to it if I'm struggling to understand the narrator - sometimes it has to do with their enunciation, sometimes accent, sometimes audio quality. I did not have any issues with those in this case, I'm happy to say.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This would have been a boring and deeply cliched storyline if it weren't for the fantasy elements. But here's the thing: there is no worldbuilding whatsoever. So the fantasy flavor text could be stripped away with pretty much zero consequences.
I had many issues with this, from the lack of character development to the fact that everyone's gut is lurching/clenching/dropping every third paragraph (get that looked at, my guy) and emotions are crashing over and/or surging through them every minute of the day, it seems. My biggest problem was the lack of worldbuilding, though, and the uncomfortable implications thereof.
I think people are generally aware that monster romance often overlaps with some real uncomfortable fetishization of folks who aren't white. You know, a big primal creature who isn't quite human with giant... parts who can't resist the lure of a delicate helpless (white) woman? Certainly not every monster romance does this, but I'm not sure how else to read this story except as weird commentary on racial purity vs. no racial purity, and that was a big ick for me.
"Human culture" in this book is presented as current mainstream American monoculture. People have cars, cell phones, and even use dollars. If you've read C.M. Nacosta (Morning Glory Milking Farm) or Emily Antoinette (Monsters of Moonvale), you get the general idea. Except in Crane's world, "monsters" aren't living in secret. They've been historically relocated out of "human lands" and experienced prejudice from humans. Several times in this book, there are references to "human culture," which is set up as a (white) Western monoculture. Already I have problems.
I get the sense that Crane tried to mitigate this by making Thorak into Mariah's childhood bully, so "monsters" are prejudiced against humans in this scenario, too. Okay, this opens up some possibilities for nuance... but we're told that Thorak's childhood mindset is passed down from his parents, who want him to stay true to his racial bloodlines. Except, they're really into the idea of him marrying a giant. Even though their whole thing is that they want him to stay true to orc culture. What exactly, you may ask, is orc culture? All we know is that orcs like to brew beer. Thorak and his sister, who's an afterthought in this story, are rebels. We know this because they broke away from their family's big brewery to start their own smaller brewery (oh, you rebels) which they're now trying to expand. This is the only this we learn about "orc culture." But humans also drink beer in this world, so...?
So here we are, with Mariah who is a boring, emotionally stunted white lady, and a "counterculture" orc who has no real defining qualities either. They face different forms of prejudice from a human, who thinks all monsters are weird, and Thorak's parents who want Thorak to maintain racial purity with another monster who is NOT from their supposed culture. But they have no other discernable culture, because there is no worldbuilding. I'm left to conclude that this world is divided into a human monoculture in which we only meet white folks, and an "other" category that's considered exotic and strange because they don't look human enough to be allowed to live in "humans lands," despite having conformed to the social mainstream.
In the best case scenario, and the one to which I wall subscribe, I just put more thought into the topic of worldbuilding than the author did when writing the book. I don't mean to suggest that the author set out to write a racially uncomfortable work, just that the details needed to make this plot anything but cringey weren't present. If she'd focused less on the issue of prejudice and had some other external conflict, that would have been cool. If she was going to focus on a fantasy culture clash, then I'd have liked to see some worldbuilding that made the conflict specific and interesting.
Which leads me to my last point here: if you're going to set your book in a world with magic, MAKE THE MAGIC SIGNIFICANT. What little worldbuilding there was came across as flavortext. Thorak could have been a guy, his pig buddy could have been a dog, the pixie mites could have been mold or a leaky pipe, and this book would not have changed *at all.* The only element that would be impacted would be the issues of race, which is one reason I was so aware of the real-world parallels. There was nothing to transport me.
Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. I would like to (now awkwardly) thank NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this audiobook. My frustrations are being aired voluntarily.
I had many issues with this, from the lack of character development to the fact that everyone's gut is lurching/clenching/dropping every third paragraph (get that looked at, my guy) and emotions are crashing over and/or surging through them every minute of the day, it seems. My biggest problem was the lack of worldbuilding, though, and the uncomfortable implications thereof.
I think people are generally aware that monster romance often overlaps with some real uncomfortable fetishization of folks who aren't white. You know, a big primal creature who isn't quite human with giant... parts who can't resist the lure of a delicate helpless (white) woman? Certainly not every monster romance does this, but I'm not sure how else to read this story except as weird commentary on racial purity vs. no racial purity, and that was a big ick for me.
"Human culture" in this book is presented as current mainstream American monoculture. People have cars, cell phones, and even use dollars. If you've read C.M. Nacosta (Morning Glory Milking Farm) or Emily Antoinette (Monsters of Moonvale), you get the general idea. Except in Crane's world, "monsters" aren't living in secret. They've been historically relocated out of "human lands" and experienced prejudice from humans. Several times in this book, there are references to "human culture," which is set up as a (white) Western monoculture. Already I have problems.
I get the sense that Crane tried to mitigate this by making Thorak into Mariah's childhood bully, so "monsters" are prejudiced against humans in this scenario, too. Okay, this opens up some possibilities for nuance... but we're told that Thorak's childhood mindset is passed down from his parents, who want him to stay true to his racial bloodlines. Except, they're really into the idea of him marrying a giant. Even though their whole thing is that they want him to stay true to orc culture. What exactly, you may ask, is orc culture? All we know is that orcs like to brew beer. Thorak and his sister, who's an afterthought in this story, are rebels. We know this because they broke away from their family's big brewery to start their own smaller brewery (oh, you rebels) which they're now trying to expand. This is the only this we learn about "orc culture." But humans also drink beer in this world, so...?
So here we are, with Mariah who is a boring, emotionally stunted white lady, and a "counterculture" orc who has no real defining qualities either. They face different forms of prejudice from a human, who thinks all monsters are weird, and Thorak's parents who want Thorak to maintain racial purity with another monster who is NOT from their supposed culture. But they have no other discernable culture, because there is no worldbuilding. I'm left to conclude that this world is divided into a human monoculture in which we only meet white folks, and an "other" category that's considered exotic and strange because they don't look human enough to be allowed to live in "humans lands," despite having conformed to the social mainstream.
In the best case scenario, and the one to which I wall subscribe, I just put more thought into the topic of worldbuilding than the author did when writing the book. I don't mean to suggest that the author set out to write a racially uncomfortable work, just that the details needed to make this plot anything but cringey weren't present. If she'd focused less on the issue of prejudice and had some other external conflict, that would have been cool. If she was going to focus on a fantasy culture clash, then I'd have liked to see some worldbuilding that made the conflict specific and interesting.
Which leads me to my last point here: if you're going to set your book in a world with magic, MAKE THE MAGIC SIGNIFICANT. What little worldbuilding there was came across as flavortext. Thorak could have been a guy, his pig buddy could have been a dog, the pixie mites could have been mold or a leaky pipe, and this book would not have changed *at all.* The only element that would be impacted would be the issues of race, which is one reason I was so aware of the real-world parallels. There was nothing to transport me.
Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. I would like to (now awkwardly) thank NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this audiobook. My frustrations are being aired voluntarily.
This has such cozy, enchanting vibes, and felt very much as a Christmas book even tho there was no Christmas involved. The main characters, Mariah and Thorak, aren't specially engaging but they're kinda nice and all the vibes of the world really made a difference for me.
I had two main problems with the book, tho. First, the way the whole "he used to bully me" situation is handled. It was just weird how Mariah would go on and on about how he made her life a living hell in school, and then be attracted to him so fast. I didn't like how the apologies were handled, and then at some point they joke about how he "always loved her, even tho he didn't show it in the best way" and I almost lost my shit. And then, the second half of the book is filled with drama with Mariah's insecurities and Thorak's ex, and it kinda ruined the vibes for me a bit.
I still read it super fast tho. There was always something happening, and the whole city reminded me a bit of the city from Morning Glory Milking Farm. I have some strong opinions about the bully part, but it was still enjoyable, so there is this. And of course there were some interesting references to Thorak's tusks, which was a highlight.
I had two main problems with the book, tho. First, the way the whole "he used to bully me" situation is handled. It was just weird how Mariah would go on and on about how he made her life a living hell in school, and then be attracted to him so fast. I didn't like how the apologies were handled, and then at some point they joke about how he "always loved her, even tho he didn't show it in the best way" and I almost lost my shit. And then, the second half of the book is filled with drama with Mariah's insecurities and Thorak's ex, and it kinda ruined the vibes for me a bit.
I still read it super fast tho. There was always something happening, and the whole city reminded me a bit of the city from Morning Glory Milking Farm. I have some strong opinions about the bully part, but it was still enjoyable, so there is this. And of course there were some interesting references to Thorak's tusks, which was a highlight.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was fun, but flawed. I don't usually read bully romances, but ,admittedly, I selected this book based solely on the cover and title. So I have no one to blame but myself lol Fortunately all the bullying was in the past so I was able to get to know the characters as who they had become after high school
Speaking of the characters. I found them both to be underdeveloped and lacking in depth. The same goes for the romance. I have no idea why these characters love each other beyond their physical attraction. The physical aspects were hammered into my head far too often.
I did enjoy the female narrator of the audiobook, but the male narrator read with an inflection that made him sound constantly surprised.
I would categorize this as something light and fun. It was quick and enjoyable despite its flaws. Not a bad summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor for the audio copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Speaking of the characters. I found them both to be underdeveloped and lacking in depth. The same goes for the romance. I have no idea why these characters love each other beyond their physical attraction. The physical aspects were hammered into my head far too often.
I did enjoy the female narrator of the audiobook, but the male narrator read with an inflection that made him sound constantly surprised.
I would categorize this as something light and fun. It was quick and enjoyable despite its flaws. Not a bad summer read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor for the audio copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
First off, this book is so stinking cute, I was swooning and laughing from start to finish! I’ve never read an orc story, but I absolutely adored this one and will be seeking out the author’s other stories.
This story is about a human who lives in a magical realm full of supernatural creatures. Our heroine was bullied by the hero in high school., so she LOATHES him. And now as adults they have to navigate a fake engagement relationship.for the sake of his business. Will they sink or swim? Well..you gotta read to find out.
I loved the hero. He was charmingly sweet and broody. It goes to show that people can change from high school and forgiveness is key.
This story is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that focuses on differences (as they are two different species), prejudice, forgiveness, communication, and second chances.
If you like a good cozy story that is so sweet it will make your teeth hurt, this one is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor for the opportunity to review this book
This story is about a human who lives in a magical realm full of supernatural creatures. Our heroine was bullied by the hero in high school., so she LOATHES him. And now as adults they have to navigate a fake engagement relationship.for the sake of his business. Will they sink or swim? Well..you gotta read to find out.
I loved the hero. He was charmingly sweet and broody. It goes to show that people can change from high school and forgiveness is key.
This story is a second chance, enemies to lovers romance that focuses on differences (as they are two different species), prejudice, forgiveness, communication, and second chances.
If you like a good cozy story that is so sweet it will make your teeth hurt, this one is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor for the opportunity to review this book