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A review by thewildeflower
The Orc and the Innkeeper by Cora Crane
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Note: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into when I stumbled upon this book but I'm very happy I did. The Orc and the Innkeeper is a fantasy romance that is equal parts cozy and spicy. We follow two enemies, Mariah and Thornak, who manage to wind themselves into a fake engagement for each of their own personal gain... or are they in it for something else?
"These next 14 days will either be my sweetest fantasy come true or my ultimate undoing."
This was a bit of a different writing style than I am used to - but not in a negative way at all. I think it really helped draw me into the novel and feel at home in this fantasy world; being able to imagine the town of "Elderberry Falls" and understanding the social issues that plague some residents and visitors. As stated above, this book has such a cozy atmosphere. Nailing all the little details that make up this novel - like the opening with "pixie dust mites". Because of this I found it to be such a fun read that put a smile on my face.
"Don't let your fear of the past keep you from embracing the future."
I found myself rather enthralled in the lives of our main characters and their shenanigans. I enjoyed how real these fantasy creatures (and one human) really felt. They were flawed, loveable, interesting, charismatic, and brave. Although, I was also slightly taken aback by how casually the main female character, Mariah, got over her so called "torture" from her school bully-turned possible lover. It didn't seem right to me that she would just casually accept everything and everyone at their word. However, she does go on a rollercoaster of trust uncertainty later on in the book so maybe she was written like this on purpose. A strong character, most definitely, but maybe a little bit of a pushover in certain scenes. Loveable, nonetheless.
“How hearts can open, and prejudices fade when people are given the chance to truly understand one another.”
Overall, I found this a wonderful quick read that I didn't want to put down.
This book is one very fun ride. If you're looking for fantasy, very spicy, cozy, enemies to lovers, fake dating, types of books - I would recommend you pick up this series.
I wasn't quite sure what I was getting myself into when I stumbled upon this book but I'm very happy I did. The Orc and the Innkeeper is a fantasy romance that is equal parts cozy and spicy. We follow two enemies, Mariah and Thornak, who manage to wind themselves into a fake engagement for each of their own personal gain... or are they in it for something else?
"These next 14 days will either be my sweetest fantasy come true or my ultimate undoing."
This was a bit of a different writing style than I am used to - but not in a negative way at all. I think it really helped draw me into the novel and feel at home in this fantasy world; being able to imagine the town of "Elderberry Falls" and understanding the social issues that plague some residents and visitors. As stated above, this book has such a cozy atmosphere. Nailing all the little details that make up this novel - like the opening with "pixie dust mites". Because of this I found it to be such a fun read that put a smile on my face.
"Don't let your fear of the past keep you from embracing the future."
I found myself rather enthralled in the lives of our main characters and their shenanigans. I enjoyed how real these fantasy creatures (and one human) really felt. They were flawed, loveable, interesting, charismatic, and brave. Although, I was also slightly taken aback by how casually the main female character, Mariah, got over her so called "torture" from her school bully-turned possible lover. It didn't seem right to me that she would just casually accept everything and everyone at their word. However, she does go on a rollercoaster of trust uncertainty later on in the book so maybe she was written like this on purpose. A strong character, most definitely, but maybe a little bit of a pushover in certain scenes. Loveable, nonetheless.
“How hearts can open, and prejudices fade when people are given the chance to truly understand one another.”
Overall, I found this a wonderful quick read that I didn't want to put down.
This book is one very fun ride. If you're looking for fantasy, very spicy, cozy, enemies to lovers, fake dating, types of books - I would recommend you pick up this series.