Cookies for my Orc Neighbor by Michelle Mills Genres: Fantasy, Romance
Series: Sweet Monster Treats #1
Pages: 85
Published by Michelle Mills via Amazon Digital Services on February 6, 2023
ASIN: B0BRK454F7
Format: eBook
Source: Amazon
Goodreads
This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.
Buy on AmazonThe big green Orc living next door to me is so very mysterious.
He works from home and rarely goes outside. And when he does go out, he never wears a shirt buttoned over his massive chest, no matter the weather. Small children and senior citizens run screaming when he stomps to his truck, so I guess I understand his reticence?
But today is Valentine’s Day and I’m worried the big guy is sad and lonely. My neighbor is more angry-looking and growly than usual, despite that darling puppy he recently adopted.
And since I happen to be alone this Valentine’s Day too, I decide to bring him a plate of my famous sugar cookies.
Everyone warns me not to disturb him because Orcs always claim their Brides in the dark of winter.
But for some reason, this doesn’t worry me at all.
Thoughts on the book:
I picked up this book as part of a Stuff Your Kindle Day event, so I went into it with relatively low expectations, especially since I wasn’t actively searching for a romance in this particular genre. That being said, I ended up enjoying the overall story. It’s lighthearted and has a quick pace, making it an easy read.
The story centers around Grace, our main female character (MFC), and Alden, the main male character (MMC). Grace has been living next door to Alden for a while and has developed an attraction to him from afar. Alden, on the other hand, has barely noticed Grace’s existence—until one snowy winter day when she quite literally lands at his feet. From that moment, things escalate quickly, with instant lust turning into instant love, and Alden doing a bit of brooding over it all.
Grace’s character was well-written, which I appreciated, especially since I love a strong female lead. She had her own voice and agency, which made her relatable. Alden, however, felt a little more one-dimensional. He had a few gaps in his character development, and I found myself wanting more from his backstory. The story itself was fun, but I felt it was lacking in certain areas. For example, there was little to no explanation about the Orcs (yep, Alden is an Orc!). How did they come to be mingling in human society? What are the triggers for this whole “mate” situation? There was so much potential to build a fascinating world here, but it wasn’t fully explored. While the story didn’t necessarily need these elements to work, having them would’ve definitely elevated the plot and made the book more immersive.
The romance, while fast-paced, leaned heavily on traditional gender roles, which may or may not appeal to all readers. The dynamic between Grace and Alden was fun, but it felt like there was more focus on Alden’s brooding and possessiveness than on developing their relationship. It would’ve been nice to see a little more balance or growth in their connection. And as much as I love a good insta-love trope, I usually prefer when there’s a bit more build-up or tension leading to the big romantic moments.
This book is definitely on the lighter side, and it’s not one you’d pick up if you’re looking for something with a lot of depth or complexity. There’s minimal world-building and backstory, so don’t expect to get swept away by a richly developed setting. However, if you’re in the mood for something quick and easy to read, this book will do the trick. It’s perfect for a cozy afternoon when you just want to relax with a fun, light romance.
In summary, if you’re looking for a quick, no-frills romance, this book could be a great pick—especially if you can grab it for free, like I did. But if you’re in the mood for something with a little more substance or emotional complexity, you might want to pass on this one.
Recommended Reading if you’re looking for:
- Valentine’s Day Romp
- Quick Palate Cleanser
- Insta Lust/Love
- Mates/ Bonded Mates
- Monster Romance (Orc/Human)
