The Orc and the Innkeeper by Cora Crane is a cozy fantasy romance with a grumpy orc, a fake engagement, and a human innkeeper fighting magical pests—and falling in love along the way.

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A grumpy orc, a fake engagement, and a cozy town full of magical chaos—this monster romance will make you laugh, swoon, and want to book a stay at the heroine’s inn (minus the pixie dust mites).

What happens when a human innkeeper, struggling to keep her business afloat, strikes a deal with her former high school bully—who just happens to be a wealthy orc brewmaster? A fake engagement, that’s what! In The Orc and the Innkeeper, the heroine overhears her orc frenemy telling an investor that his human fiancée helps run his business (spoiler: she’s not). So naturally, she steps in to save her inn from magical pests in exchange for playing the part.

Thorak, the orc in question, might have been a jerk in high school, but now he’s all grumpy-on-the-outside, heart-of-gold-on-the-inside. Plus, there’s magic, a cozy town, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.

I’m not usually here for the “former bully” trope, but this one totally worked for me. Thorak may have bullied the heroine back in school (for being human, no less), but now he’s all grown up and totally smitten. I loved that he’s been in love with her for years, and their fake engagement gives him the perfect excuse to finally show it. There’s just something about a grumpy orc falling first that makes my heart happy.

The cozy fantasy setting was also such a nice touch. Elderberry Falls feels like the kind of place you’d want to visit—if it weren’t for the pixie dust mite infestation. The romance itself was sweet, spicy, and full of “awww” moments, especially as Thorak starts to redeem himself. If you like your monster romances with a side of cozy and just the right amount of heat, this one’s a winner.

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