A tender and unexpected romance that charms from beginning to end

The Orc’s True Love by Shay Francis is a delightful, heartwarming read that blends gentle fantasy with sweet, slow-burn romance in the most unexpected and lovely way. At its core, this is a story about vulnerability, acceptance, and the kind of love that grows through quiet understanding and mutual respect.

Francis takes what could easily be a trope-driven concept and infuses it with genuine heart. The orc character is written with surprising emotional depth—more than just a “beast with a heart of gold,” he’s a layered, thoughtful being who yearns for connection but struggles with how the world sees him. His journey is touching and sincere, and it’s impossible not to root for him.

The romantic lead is just as charming, bringing warmth and patience to their growing relationship. Their bond develops slowly and believably, filled with tender moments, soft humor, and an undeniable chemistry that feels earned rather than rushed. Watching them navigate their differences and find common ground was such a joy.

The writing style is accessible and cozy, with a soothing pace that suits the emotional tone of the story. While there are moments of tension and uncertainty, the overall feeling is one of comfort and healing—a true “feel-good fantasy” experience.

If there’s any critique, it’s that some parts of the story could have been expanded a little more—particularly the world-building, which had potential for greater depth. But this doesn't take away from the emotional core of the story, which is what truly shines.

In summary, The Orc’s True Love is a beautifully soft and satisfying read that proves true love can bloom in even the most unlikely of places. Shay Francis has created something quietly magical, and it’s the kind of book that leaves you with a smile and a full heart. Highly recommended for readers who love gentle fantasy, wholesome romance, and stories that celebrate love in all its forms.

A spicy monster romance that has been done so well it’s books like this that make me love monster romances and give me warped ideas on romance 🤣

The Orc's True Love is a dark fantasy romance that was a retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. The first half of the book was enjoyable and I liked the characters immediately. Seeing Vultog's transformation was enjoyable as well. About midway through the pacing od the story changed and it seemed like the plot was all over the place. The world building was okay but I felt like something was missing. I think with some more editing the flow of the story could be improved in many ways.

The first half of this book was really good. I was pulled in and was excited to see what happened next. I liked all of the characters, especially Vultog and his transformation. However, the second half of the book just didn't do it for me. It seemed as if two different people wrote the book.

In the second half of the book, I disliked all the characters, especially Juno and Rayna. Rayna became insufferable, and Juno became ungrateful. I wanted to shake them both. Then, the selfishness of Vultog was unnecessary. The saving grace for this book was the last couple of chapters and the epilogue. I want to read book 2 because I have to know how everything turns out.

Im sorry, but this authors writing does not suit my level of reading.. Its too immature for my taste………. With some adjustments, I do believe that this can be a passable young adult novel instead.

Amazing book loved the characters and plot. I couldn't stop reading I stayed up all night. I loved the book so much thank you for the arc.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

While I didn’t expect the fairytale retelling element in this story, it was a pleasant surprise.

I enjoyed the writing style and story overall, but I think it could be perfected with some more world building and plot work!

Good spice and a good time if you’re looking for something unserious and fun rather than a super detailed epic fantasy!

The cover art could use some work imo

This is definitely a new and interesting story. I loved the Jack and the Beanstalk retelling which such interesting twists on the different worlds. I am a huge fan of world building and this book was full of it.

This definitely feels like a book that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a romcom mixed with a fantasy adventure. I really enjoyed the sibling relationship in the beginning, it felt incredibly realistic. I loved reading about Vultog's attempts to assimilate into London. I wish we had more time to really see how his perspective on "mortals" shifts. There are a lot of threads in this story with Rayna, Vultog, the Guild, Juno, Jack, and the overarching story of the realms. I'm definitely going to pick up book 2 and see how these threads are weaved together.

The writing style of this book really wasn't the one for me. It felt very much like she'd gotten a few words out of a dictionary, and they didn't flow very well. I was very invested in the storyline, but felt the plot was subpar.

First of all, thanks so much to NetGalley for this ARC! It's very much appreciated.

This book for me was a solid 3.25 stars read!
The story follows Rayna and an Orc and from my experience, I could see an enemies to lovers relationship and tension. I thought it was a very cool plot and there are little fantasies featuring Orc's and I felt like I was reading something Disney themed! Or even Shrek which brought back childhood memories 😅 Overall, the book was very enjoyable, Rayna was hilarious and I loved her character. I also loved the mood of the book and the writing was entertaining. I wasn't bored at all and loved to read the dialogue!!

Though I knocked off some stars because:
I felt like this was a fantasy (based on the atmosphere) of something rather not that modern. So when dating apps were mentioned I got a bit annoyed. There's also mentions of slang and abbreviations like "tbh" that I didn't really enjoy. They'd be fine in a romance, but in a fantasy, I think not. Especially the Orc "vibe" if you will that really reminded me of a vintage foresty style.
I also loved the enemies to lovers relationship but there was a part about 20 percent in that he grabbed her from the waist, and she got butterflies and I wanted there to be more of a slow burn as it's enemies to lovers.

Though this is my personal opinion and I think overall this book was great and had a lot of thought. It's an enjoyable book and I think it's also great for people who want to get in the fantasy genre.

Anything I said shouldn't be taken to heart as it's my opinion, and how I interpreted it. I hope others enjoy those parts I didn't and I wish the author all possible success! Thank you again, this was a lovely experience.

Keep on writing Shay, you have lots of potential ❤️❤️

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
I enjoyed the start of this book but I think that as much as it tried to have a plot, it was lost at the end of the day.
I did enjoy the banter and also loved the Nigerian names by the way made me smile. However, it felt very underwhelming and the end that was supposed to give shock value really fell short.

This reminds me of a jack and the beanstalk retelling except its a 'shrek' retelling about a Orc who was sent to earth like banished from his hometown to earth by a witch and all he needed was loves true kiss to break his curse of being a human an turning back into a orc so he goes on a mission and meets these two humans Rayna and her sister Juno who think at first hes a homeless man. The book had comedy it was funny and I loved how it made me laugh, Vultog is the orc's name. He just wants to go back to his hometown.
The book is funny, fast-paced, and full of fairy-tale mayhem. Think rom-com with a fantasy twist until the final act, when things get intense. Secrets come out, the spice level rises, and the emotional punches hit hard.

A delightfully strange and heartfelt monster romance that completely surprised me!

"The Orc’s True Love" blends humor, slow-burn tension, and emotional depth into a truly original fairy tale twist. Vultog is charmingly sincere (even when absurd), and Rayna’s cynicism makes their dynamic electric. Their banter crackles, the stakes feel real, and the slow build of trust is incredibly satisfying.
The “fated mates” trope is used smartly here—not as a shortcut, but as a foundation for real emotional conflict. Plus, the London setting adds a gritty, grounded contrast to all the magical chaos.
Yes, it ends on a cliffhanger. And yes, I’m already desperate for book two.
Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“Shrek but make it spicy, emotional and slightly traumatised”

Imagine you’re an orc. You had a home. A life. Then some greedy human named Jack climbs a beanstalk and steals your money and while following you fall into another world, fast forward, and you’re living in the woods, broke and lonely—until a witch zaps you straight into modern-day London… wearing the face and body of the lowly humans you despise.

Welcome to the chaotic tale of our poor displaced orc, now homeless and confused in a city that exactly welcoming to homeless, mentally deranged people.
All he wants is true love’s kiss to break the curse (as one does), but what he finds instead are Juno, a bit too trusting and helpful and Rayna: a sharp-tongued, no-nonsense Londoner who grew up in the foster system and is fiercely protective of her little sister. Trying to maneuver dating apps and making a living as a Viking impersonator challenges the strongest orc.

The book is fun, snarky, and doesn’t take itself too seriously—for the first two thirds, at least. Think rom-com meets fairy-tale chaos. But don’t be fooled: once we return to the fae realm in the final act, things get intense. Secrets are revealed, loyalties questioned, and the emotional stakes suddenly skyrocket. The spice gets spicy. The contrast works well and gives the story surprising depth.

The romance? Slow burn with heat. The banter? Chef’s kiss. The emotional damage? Unexpectedly real.

Oh, and the cover? Absolutely atrocious. But don’t judge this one by its art department.

Highly recommended if you like fairy tale twists, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, or just want to root for a cursed green man trying to make it back home with his true love….and yes, I know that Shrek is an ogre and not an orc IYKYK

Picking up the sequel for sure.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.