A review by mistysbookspace
The Orc's Sweetheart by Elle Sterling

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I read an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review. This is the first book in a new cozy monster romance series, and I thought it was so freaking cute. 

Tilly is our FMC. She moves from the big city to the small town of Starry Hill because she needs a change. Bodin is our MMC who is from this small town, but he has had some experience in the big city and let's just say that his bad experience causes him to be a bit judgmental when he first meets Tilly. It doesn't take long for them to go from dislike to like at all which is a nice refresher from all of the slow burns. I will say the jump from them not liking each other to them liking each other and being all flirty was a bit abrupt but I couldn't help but root for them. They were just so cute. Each character has their own pasts to work through and I loved seeing them grow throughout the book and learn to talk through their problems together. 

We get plus sized rep in this book as well with both characters and for the most part they are both very comfortable with their bodies which again I love. Tilly does show a little self-consciousness here and there but that's realistic to me. At one-point Bodin says "The Way Tilly's self-assuredness equally matches her vulnerability makes me fall a little more for her" That to me perfectly describes Tilly. Also, at one point Tilly refers to herself as a "plus sized queen" and I was just reading that like yes girl!! 

The world building in this book was on point. The author did an amazing job painting the picture of Starry Hill so much so that I want to live there myself. Also, the spice in this book had me fanning myself and there's no third act breakup which is probably my favorite thing ever. 

If you want an easy quick read that's not action packed but still packs a punch, I highly recommend picking up this small-town monster romance.