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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
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
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall Thoughts:
The Orc and the Innkeeper is definitely worth the read if you are a fan of cozy romantasy books. Cora Crne does a phenomenal job balancing fantasy and romance elements without putting too much emphasis on one genre over the other. If you love a grumpy/sunshine trope, this book is for you. The book is very much character-driven as Mariah and Thorak come to terms with their past and the impact it has on their future.
Narration Review:
Jack Calihan and Rose Dioro's duel narration enhanced the listening experience greatly. Jack played very well into the gruff tone of an Orc. Rose brings life to Mariah's character through her narration by capturing her kindness and spark. Jack and Rose worked so well together and made the story feel very authentic.
This book is perfect for fans of Legend and Lattes and The Spellshop, or anyone who likes fantasy without hundreds of pages of worldbuilding and romance that is tender but grown-up.
The Orc and the Innkeeper is definitely worth the read if you are a fan of cozy romantasy books. Cora Crne does a phenomenal job balancing fantasy and romance elements without putting too much emphasis on one genre over the other. If you love a grumpy/sunshine trope, this book is for you. The book is very much character-driven as Mariah and Thorak come to terms with their past and the impact it has on their future.
Narration Review:
Jack Calihan and Rose Dioro's duel narration enhanced the listening experience greatly. Jack played very well into the gruff tone of an Orc. Rose brings life to Mariah's character through her narration by capturing her kindness and spark. Jack and Rose worked so well together and made the story feel very authentic.
This book is perfect for fans of Legend and Lattes and The Spellshop, or anyone who likes fantasy without hundreds of pages of worldbuilding and romance that is tender but grown-up.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
A short and sweet cozy romantasy that left me wanting more 🩷
I found Thorak to be really sweet despite his checkered past, and his relationship with Mariah to be well-developed and believable. They worked through their issues and there was minimal miscommunication.
And begging for forgiveness??? During sexy times??? I never knew I needed that until now 🥵
The non-romance plot was also well done and felt organic in context. Plus, it lead to fake-dating, so who am I to complain?
If you're looking for something lighthearted yet satifyingly spicy (and don't mind handsome monster men), this book may just scratch that itch!
I found Thorak to be really sweet despite his checkered past, and his relationship with Mariah to be well-developed and believable. They worked through their issues and there was minimal miscommunication.
And begging for forgiveness??? During sexy times??? I never knew I needed that until now 🥵
The non-romance plot was also well done and felt organic in context. Plus, it lead to fake-dating, so who am I to complain?
If you're looking for something lighthearted yet satifyingly spicy (and don't mind handsome monster men), this book may just scratch that itch!
ONE OF MY FIRST NETGALLEY ARCS LETS GOOOOO
------------------------------------------------
Sigh
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for giving me a chance to review this book. All thoughts are my own!
Overall Rating: 2/5
This book started out really well. I was vibing with the narration, the world-building was pretty simple, and the characters seemed to well written. But then when we got to it, the story just went down hill.
The story starts off as like a "fake dating" type of troupe which benefits Mariah as she has to deal with a "Pixie Mite" infestation and her "partner" Thorak needs her in order to convince a prejudice investor. I was sat for this plot but idk I felt like the author gave this story almost no substance. All the "fake dating" elements like being seen together in public and meeting the parents just seemed very minimal and forced....
Not to mention this is a bully romance as Thorak bullied Mariah in high school. And while I don't like bully romances the characters are pushing 30 YEARS OLD and Mariah is still bitter? I guess it makes sense but at your big age it's either time to move df on or get revenge like idk... her grudge seemed annoying to me.... especially when Thorak seems to have changed and was actually doing things to let her know he was remorseful...
Like bro why is this author making me type on my keyboard to defend a man?????? WHYYYYYYYY??????
And then we have a 3rd act break up... for what? Fuck if I know.And the only reason why it's there is because THE BITCH WHOS PUSHING 30 YEARS OLD DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO FUCKING COMMUNICATE LIKE BITCH WTF.... ur big ass age and you see that Thorak is changing yet because of your fuck ass insecurities and cowardess you can't see that he's trying to clear up said miscommunication with you??? GTFO. Mariah scammed Thorak out of 20k imo which is wild because her crash out literally happened in front of the investor and SHE MADE HIM LOSE THE DEAL.... LIKE BRUUUUUUUU Like for that very reason I don't believe that they would make a good couple tbh....
Overall this book was forgettable, didn't have good chemistry between the characters, and the worldbuilding didn't even have enough decency to be consistent. Romantasy ick tag this goes.
------------------------------------------------
Sigh
Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for giving me a chance to review this book. All thoughts are my own!
Overall Rating: 2/5
This book started out really well. I was vibing with the narration, the world-building was pretty simple, and the characters seemed to well written. But then when we got to it, the story just went down hill.
The story starts off as like a "fake dating" type of troupe which benefits Mariah as she has to deal with a "Pixie Mite" infestation and her "partner" Thorak needs her in order to convince a prejudice investor. I was sat for this plot but idk I felt like the author gave this story almost no substance. All the "fake dating" elements like being seen together in public and meeting the parents just seemed very minimal and forced....
Not to mention this is a bully romance as Thorak bullied Mariah in high school. And while I don't like bully romances the characters are pushing 30 YEARS OLD and Mariah is still bitter? I guess it makes sense but at your big age it's either time to move df on or get revenge like idk... her grudge seemed annoying to me.... especially when Thorak seems to have changed and was actually doing things to let her know he was remorseful...
Like bro why is this author making me type on my keyboard to defend a man?????? WHYYYYYYYY??????
And then we have a 3rd act break up... for what? Fuck if I know.
Overall this book was forgettable, didn't have good chemistry between the characters, and the worldbuilding didn't even have enough decency to be consistent. Romantasy ick tag this goes.
Short and sweet, perfect to listen to in one afternoon! A second chance romance with a cozy atmosphere and lovely message of acceptance, forgiveness, inclusivity and... the importance of having a well-guarded teacup boar in your house!
✨ Plot
Human inn keeper meets her high school orc bully and they are forced to strike a deal. Mariah needs money to keep up with repairs on her inn and Thorak needs a human partner in order to expand his brew business. They agree to fake an engagement and the hijinks start to happen!
✨ Characters
The FMC is a lovely, sweet person with a few lingering self esteem issues after being bullied in high school. Nonetheless she agrees to help Thorak believing that he deserves a second chance and champions inclusivity in everything she does.
The MMC was awful to Mariah in their youth but has had a journey of transformation. The scene where he recounts his past and his turning point deciding to do better was lovely. He's somewhat shy (as he struggled with self esteem issues as well) and has some important arc moments where he speaks up for what he believes in. He fights prejudice from his family and society in general and chooses to do the right thing even if it doesn't benefit him, which make for redeeming qualities that encourage me to root for him.
✨ The romance / Tropes and vibes
A unique thing about this book is that it does a bully romance without the bulling scenes (as they happened in the past) and it gives the story a fantastic opportunity - to do the best spicy grovelling scenes I think I've ever read.
✨ Unique moments that made me smile
- pixie dust mites - the magical terror!
- themed rooms in the inn the FMC manages
- TEACUP BOAR - do I need to say more?
✨ What I wish would have been done different
In my opinion, the third act breakup did not fit with Mariah's optimistic personality. Thorak did get to her in time to let her know she had the wrong impression yet she was mad anyway.
✨ The audiobook
Narrators were lovely and did a good job to capture the whimsical atmosphere.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the pleasure of listening to this book. Opinions are my own.
✨ Plot
Human inn keeper meets her high school orc bully and they are forced to strike a deal. Mariah needs money to keep up with repairs on her inn and Thorak needs a human partner in order to expand his brew business. They agree to fake an engagement and the hijinks start to happen!
✨ Characters
The FMC is a lovely, sweet person with a few lingering self esteem issues after being bullied in high school. Nonetheless she agrees to help Thorak believing that he deserves a second chance and champions inclusivity in everything she does.
The MMC was awful to Mariah in their youth but has had a journey of transformation. The scene where he recounts his past and his turning point deciding to do better was lovely. He's somewhat shy (as he struggled with self esteem issues as well) and has some important arc moments where he speaks up for what he believes in. He fights prejudice from his family and society in general and chooses to do the right thing even if it doesn't benefit him, which make for redeeming qualities that encourage me to root for him.
✨ The romance / Tropes and vibes
A unique thing about this book is that it does a bully romance without the bulling scenes (as they happened in the past) and it gives the story a fantastic opportunity - to do the best spicy grovelling scenes I think I've ever read.
✨ Unique moments that made me smile
- pixie dust mites - the magical terror!
- themed rooms in the inn the FMC manages
- TEACUP BOAR - do I need to say more?
✨ What I wish would have been done different
In my opinion, the third act breakup did not fit with Mariah's optimistic personality. Thorak did get to her in time to let her know she had the wrong impression yet she was mad anyway.
✨ The audiobook
Narrators were lovely and did a good job to capture the whimsical atmosphere.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the pleasure of listening to this book. Opinions are my own.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dual narration- Jack Calihan & Rose Dioro
Fantastic narration. I didn’t even realize it was dual until about halfway through. It was really good.
This was a fun magical twist on fake engagement, enemies to lovers tropes. I really liked the characters and the story line was fun and easy to follow. It was cute and spicy. The cover art is beautiful as well. I would definitely recommend and will be looking into more of this authors work.
Fantastic narration. I didn’t even realize it was dual until about halfway through. It was really good.
This was a fun magical twist on fake engagement, enemies to lovers tropes. I really liked the characters and the story line was fun and easy to follow. It was cute and spicy. The cover art is beautiful as well. I would definitely recommend and will be looking into more of this authors work.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This review is for the audio version of this book.
Narrated by Jack Calihan; Rose Dioro, these 2 were wonderful narrators, bringing depth and feeling to their characters.
This was cute. Set in a small town with a very diverse population, consisting of both humans and magical beings, we're told the story of Mariah, the human owner of the local inn, and Thorak, a local craft brewing orc from a wealthy, well known, clan of brewers.
When a chance encounter has them working together for their own benefits, they have to put aside their pasts as victim and bully to try to get along (what could possibly go wrong?).
Like I said, this was cute. The plot wasn't very surprising, but it had a lovely setting and the characters were interesting and charming. There was a lot to love here, messages about growth, healing, and forgiveness.
The sex was a bit much for me, though. Just not my cup of tea.
Fun if you're ready for a spicy little, magical, romance.
Narrated by Jack Calihan; Rose Dioro, these 2 were wonderful narrators, bringing depth and feeling to their characters.
This was cute. Set in a small town with a very diverse population, consisting of both humans and magical beings, we're told the story of Mariah, the human owner of the local inn, and Thorak, a local craft brewing orc from a wealthy, well known, clan of brewers.
When a chance encounter has them working together for their own benefits, they have to put aside their pasts as victim and bully to try to get along (what could possibly go wrong?).
Like I said, this was cute. The plot wasn't very surprising, but it had a lovely setting and the characters were interesting and charming. There was a lot to love here, messages about growth, healing, and forgiveness.
The sex was a bit much for me, though. Just not my cup of tea.
Fun if you're ready for a spicy little, magical, romance.
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Wasn't very cozy. I felt frustrated and annoyed while listening. I thought the characters were very boring. I wanted a cute monster romance, not a lecture. Fun idea but poorly executed. I received the audiobook from NetGalley.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Have you been looking for a book where he grovels relentlessly for her??? LOOK NO FURTHER! I do wish there had been a little more world building here But other than that, this was great simple quick fun read. The narrators did phenomenal. The MMC narrator just has a way of voiceing monsters. I will forever picture him as any monsters voice. I think I will definitely be picking up more in the series and by this author, thank you to NetGalley for my audio arc this is my honest review.