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hobbithopeful's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I always save Finley Fenn's books for when I need a "reading pick me up". Something about the tried and true romance book plot of: characters meet, characters love, conflict, resolution, happy ending, always makes my heart feel happy and full. I know whenever I pick up an Orc book by her, that it will be full of the most important book building pillars; world building, character development, and excellent writing. (The deliciously spicy scenes definitely help too!) I will say I find it hard to objectively rate Fenn's books because of how incredible she is with the world building and how far she has brought this series.
But what is this book about?
Well......Geva Okoro works as a governess for a very rich and rude family. She is smart, determined, and has worked herself to the bone to get where she is today. (You can 100000% tell that Fenn had sensitivity readers because this is a rare occurrence where I actually enjoyed the writing of a poc by a non poc author) Everything is going "fine" (As in her employer verbally degrades her, and no one truly appreciates her besides Cecily her favorite child of the house)
But of course, what is a romance book without a male lead? Along comes Rathgarr. (A familiar name to you if you read Fenns' previous books!!) Rathgarr is robbing her employers house, unaware that the consequences will mean that Geva will lose her job and everything she has worked so hard for. A solution is soon proposed by the other so "kind-hearted" Rathgarr. She pretends to be his mate for one month and go with him deep into the bowels of Orc Mountain. In return, he will pay her enough money that she can return to where her family is from overseas. But as the days tick away Geva finds herself actually liking Orc Mountain, and even starts to like the dominant and distant Rathgarr. Will she be able to leave when the month is up, now that she has finally found a place where she is appreciated and welcomed? Will Rathgarr be honest about his true motivations or will lies break the relationship before it even begins? Read to find out!!
My only complaints really come from the cover, I wish Fenn would get new illustrated covers I feel it would really elevate these books. (The fanart is always so fantastic definitely look that up for these books)
Contains: So much smut. All the smut. (And of course, all the fluids!) Please look up TW before reading because parts of this book get very heavy.
But what is this book about?
Well......Geva Okoro works as a governess for a very rich and rude family. She is smart, determined, and has worked herself to the bone to get where she is today. (You can 100000% tell that Fenn had sensitivity readers because this is a rare occurrence where I actually enjoyed the writing of a poc by a non poc author) Everything is going "fine" (As in her employer verbally degrades her, and no one truly appreciates her besides Cecily her favorite child of the house)
But of course, what is a romance book without a male lead? Along comes Rathgarr. (A familiar name to you if you read Fenns' previous books!!) Rathgarr is robbing her employers house, unaware that the consequences will mean that Geva will lose her job and everything she has worked so hard for. A solution is soon proposed by the other so "kind-hearted" Rathgarr. She pretends to be his mate for one month and go with him deep into the bowels of Orc Mountain. In return, he will pay her enough money that she can return to where her family is from overseas. But as the days tick away Geva finds herself actually liking Orc Mountain, and even starts to like the dominant and distant Rathgarr. Will she be able to leave when the month is up, now that she has finally found a place where she is appreciated and welcomed? Will Rathgarr be honest about his true motivations or will lies break the relationship before it even begins? Read to find out!!
My only complaints really come from the cover, I wish Fenn would get new illustrated covers I feel it would really elevate these books. (The fanart is always so fantastic definitely look that up for these books)
Contains: So much smut. All the smut. (And of course, all the fluids!) Please look up TW before reading because parts of this book get very heavy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Blood, Death of parent, and Classism
Moderate: Child abuse and Violence
Minor: Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
alisoun's review
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
OKAY I love it. I do!!!! Once again these guys are not my favourite kink but I love how it's written (this has been a theme in a number of books I've read recently!!!).
Also not my favourite pairing - too much ash kai scheming! But I adored that HE was the angst filled one. These books often have angst in the orcs but not nearly as at the forefront as with this book!
She had such a level head
and tbh I agree with Killick - he should have begged MORE. He hardly begged and grovelled!!!!!
Contains:
Mutual praise kink
She fixes him 🤷🏻♀️ 0.5 off for that lol she did so much emotional labour
COPIOUS FLUIDS 💦💦💦💦
Sex work! In a complicated way!
Very frank discussions about not having a kid right now and let's make sure that doesn't happen ✌🏻 love it
Some very nice 🍑 like it's super comfortable and GOOD for her!
Also not my favourite pairing - too much ash kai scheming! But I adored that HE was the angst filled one. These books often have angst in the orcs but not nearly as at the forefront as with this book!
She had such a level head
Contains:
Mutual praise kink
She fixes him 🤷🏻♀️ 0.5 off for that lol she did so much emotional labour
COPIOUS FLUIDS 💦💦💦💦
Sex work! In a complicated way!
Very frank discussions about not having a kid right now and let's make sure that doesn't happen ✌🏻 love it
Some very nice 🍑 like it's super comfortable and GOOD for her!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Abandonment
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, War, and Classism