Falling for the Grumpy Orc by Mary Auclair review

 

Falling for the Grumpy Orc: A Cozy Monster Romance by Mary Auclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly

This book gave me so many butterflies and had me giddy and smiling like a fool. I don’t even know where to start, but the book from the get-go just swept me away. It had such a smooth and easy introduction—not just into the world, but into getting to know the characters.

I loved the dual POVs. Being able to see into both of their minds gave such a beautiful view into their feelings and personalities that I couldn’t stop grinning. The warmth and chemistry between the characters was so well-written, I honestly started to wonder if I was falling in love myself.

There was a perfect balance between spice and story, and I was totally engaged the whole time. The emotional depth hit hard too—so many relatable moments that reminded me of my own family, past loves, and personal experiences.

I keep trying to find a fault—something I didn’t like—but honestly... I can’t. The book was just so warm, easy, and satisfying that I flew through it in no time. I didn’t want to sleep until I knew how it ended. If I had to give one remark, it would be this: I wanted more. I needed to stay in their lives longer, to bask in the sweetness and gasp at the drama just a little while more.

I love when a book completely blows me away—and this one did. I’m beyond happy I read it.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. Get this book. You need it—it’s a must! ✅

Would I read it again?
I plan to. 💯

How would I sum it up?
A sweet, heartwarming read that wraps you in a hug and leaves you grinning. A story that makes you want to curl up, drift away, and bask in the warmth.

View all my reviews

The Lost Siren by Raven Storm review

 

The Lost Siren by Raven Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ stars
🌶️🌶️ spice

I slipped into the book pretty quickly — the writing style made it easy to fly through, and I finished it within just a few hours. Overall, I really liked the storyline. It was a fun, easy read, and I found characters I liked and wanted to read more of… and others I would’ve happily thrown into a pit of sharp, pointy sticks 🗡️😤.

It was a nice read. Was it the best I’ve read? No — but that might be because the story felt a little rushed in places. There were moments where I felt like more detail and explanation could’ve really elevated it. I disliked a certain male character’s behavior and actions at times, but I let it slide as I kept reading.

Right now, I sort of liked Kieran best throughout the book, mostly because he was just… it 💁‍♂️. His behavior and kindness stood out.

I do feel there could’ve been more to the book — and that would’ve made a good book truly great. But honestly? It was a solid OK/good read. Would I reread it? Maybe not. But am I glad I read it? Yes, absolutely 😊.

View all my reviews

Tusk Love Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon review

 

Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice

Sweet with a touch of heat and a whole load of adventure.

So, I wanted to read this book before it was released, but I hadn’t gotten the book yet. One of my closest friends read it and was like, “ANN, READ IT.” Clearly, my friend has amazing taste — and the moment I could, I dove in.

From the first page, the book was super easy to get into. The writing made reading feel effortless, and I flew through the pages once I started. While the writing was amazing, it was the characters that truly hooked me. I loved the detail and history we learn about Guinevere and Oskar. I adored watching their interactions, how they viewed each other, and how that shifted over time — it had me totally gripped.

I was worried when I saw the book wasn’t super long — would I have loved a 500-page version? Hells yes. But the author wove something truly magical, and every page impressed me.

I don’t want to give too much away, but there were two big moments in this book that had me in tears. They related so deeply to my own life — to loss and growing up with a troubled family — and it always shocks me when a book can pull something from inside you like that. It made me feel even more connected to the characters.

I'm a massive fan of D&D and Critical Role, but honestly, even if I had never heard of either, I would have still loved this book entirely on its own merits.

This story is about growth and becoming your truest self — about not hiding, not performing, but simply being who you are. It’s about freedom, and not being afraid of it. It was so beautiful. Yes, there is spice, but it’s not overdone or there just for the sake of it. It blends perfectly with the story and adds depth, not distraction.

If I had to sum this up, I’d say it’s a sweet and spicy read full of heart, soul, and adventure. 💫📚

View all my reviews