essenceandhoney 's review for:

The Orc and the Innkeeper by Cora Crane

3.75

adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing fast-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

---

The Orc and the Innkeeper is an absolutely adorable and cozy read that perfectly blends fantasy, romance, and small-town charm. The town of Elderberry is as cozy as it gets, with plenty of fun shenanigans and endearing side stories that make the setting feel alive.

Despite being a short read, the characters are surprisingly well-developed, each with their own histories and struggles that add depth to the story. The world-building strikes a wonderful balance between fantasy and reality, weaving in themes of prejudice and acceptance in a thoughtful and meaningful way. It’s refreshing to see those issues handled with care while keeping the overall tone light and comforting.

I also really enjoyed the attention to detail in the history of the town and its inhabitants. It added layers to the story without overwhelming the cozy, feel-good atmosphere. The romance was sweet and believable, and the dynamic between the characters felt natural.

That said, I’m personally not a fan of bully romances, so I appreciated that this story leaned more into cozy vibes rather than heavy drama. While I do wish it had been just a little longer to explore more of the side stories and deepen the relationships further, it was still an overall good read. I’m excited to see more from this series!