A review by wandering_seal
Yuled by the Orcs by Finley Fenn

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Well I never thought I'd be finishing an Orc Sworn story and thinking how wholesome, but there you go! This was just the sweetest, lovingest story. Is there a complete failure on the part of the orcs to be upfront with the woman they've found about what their intentions are? Yes, absolutely, but I think you just have to accept that that's how all these orcs work. It's clear by the end of the story that our FMC Lydia was picked out by MMC1 Tryg not because she is lonely and vulnerable but because she is the perfect match for MMC2 Ezog, which I found really sweet. There are some very unequal power dynamics going on in this story, but there's also a lot of checking in with each other and care. Tryg may be calling the shots, but Lydia and Ezog had a say in everything that happens.

I loved that not once was there a mention of breeding in this story. I was worried Lydia was going to have to explain she couldn't have children, but it was never brought up. I think this was because everyone was older? It was really refreshing to see. The relationship didn't further the Orc Mountain goals, either, which made it seem altogether healthier and sweeter.

A very sweet - and very spicy - yuletide read