Maybe I am maturing by narrowing down what I like in my romances. Or maybe I was just in the wrong mood when I read this book. Because unfortunately this book didn't hit the way I wanted it too which is a shame since it should have. It had all the components that should've worked. I wanted Finley Fenn but make it less angsty more cozy. And it did do that. But equally I fear I just like emotional turmoil and agony. It gives my decrepit heart joy.

This story follows a half orc named Orek (stop snorting, okay snort a little because I cackled writing that) who is surviving. I do feel bad for the orc, man, .... halfing (it is the most accurate term okay?). He got the raw end of the deal. As he is living among orckin which recieves a salute, a standing ovation, he discovers Sorcha. She was unfortunately kidnapped and sold. Needless to say, that is not an enviable position. In fact it is a dire one. Orek, being an actual decent person, rescues her and abandons his kin. He takes her to the nearest town except turns out humans suck. Nobody helps her. So she asks him to protect her while she tries to get home since it is a three to four month journey. And Sorcha is a practical girl. Even though she is loosely trained to fight by her father, a knight, she is a woman alone. Considering she just got kidnapped and sold, she needs all the help she can get. Considering Orek can't go back to his clan (because being murdered isn't an appealing choice shockingly) he agrees. Also she is nice and pretty, and he is just a man.

So they start their journey home. Of course, they fall in love. And if you know anything about orc romances, you know they are smutty. So they spend their time quite happily together. They also have a raccoon friend they rescue. I do love raccoons. They speak to my soul. This develops into something deeper and more meaningful. But alas the leader of the orc clan doesn't take kindly to losing "his" human. So danger remains to court them as they entwine together.

There was legitimately nothing wrong with this book. It was fun. It was a fast read. The writing was elegant and clean. But I just finished it knowing I will probably forget about it by the end of the month. Personally that is fine with me. Some books are meant to entertain. Regretfully I just really wanted a new author to fill the void Finley Fenn left in my heart. And this is not that author. If you want a chill, cozy tale with a lot of spice and some angst (not enough for me mind you) then this will be your vibe though.

I am going to pretend I am maturing though and that is why this book was fine but not revolutionary. We will ignore that I just really like my characters to suffer. That isn't at all concerning. It is a perfectly normal desire. Everything is fine here.