Caffeinated Reviewer

Are you looking for a light romantic fantasy with a small-town setting filled with humans, Orcs, and other paranormal creatures? Then you need to head to Elderberry Falls and it all begins with The Orc and the Innkeeper.

A spunky human innkeeper drowning in magical pests, a brooding orc brewmaster, and the fake engagement that could save them both.

I've poured my heart and soul into reviving my aunt's inn after her passing, but a pixie dust mite infestation threatens to destroy everything. Their glittery trails of destruction have infiltrated the guest rooms, and the cost to eradicate them will leave me penniless.

I'm desperate for a solution.

Enter Thorak Ironfist, the orc who once tormented me in high school. Now a wealthy brewmaster, he's determined to expand his ale empire into the human realm. But prejudice stands in his way. When a potential investor mistakes him for the muscle instead of the brains, Thorak blurts out that his human "fiancée" handles the business side of things.

Fate intervenes when I overhear his fib.

I seize the opportunity and strike a deal: I'll play the part of his devoted human partner if he financially aids me in banishing the pests.

What could possibly go wrong?

Teenage bully, fake engagement and small-town problems await you in this steamy, cute romantasy. This a light escapism listen and despite a lack of world-building and some issues regarding past behavior, I enjoyed their story and thought the narration enhanced my overall feelings.

Mariah, is an innkeeper in Elderberry Falls with a pixie dust mite problem. When Thorak Ironist enters her establishment with a human. She overhears him telling some investor that he has a human fiancée. Some things to know about Thorak; Mariah thinks he is cute, but is also still harboring some bitterness about his behavior towards her in high school. The Orc bullied her. Despite this, she propositions him. She’ll be his fake fiancée and help him seal the deal, if he’ll pay to have the dust mites removed in her inn.

The tale that unfolds was interesting. Both have some issues, and we learn a little about the Orc/Human history and that Elderberry Falls is unique in that both humans and others live in the same community. Despite thinking Thorak should have apologized long ago and returned something, I also guess that Mariah wasn’t ready to let go.

This is one-hundred percent a cozy fantasy with the main romance hiccup being miscommunications and meddling. Despite the bumps, the story delivered and left me smiling at the end.

Both Rose Dioro & Jack Calihan, did a great job of voicing Thorak and Mariah. We felt his regrets, anger and affections and Mariah’s insecurities and feelings. I am curious to see what the next audio will be. If you are looking for a light romantic fantasy with small-town cozy vibes, this isn’t a terrible choice.

Amazon* | Audible | Libro.fm

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2025 Audiobook Challenge

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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