Orc by Layla Fae [Review]

Orc (Monster Ever After #4) by Layla Fae
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: October 25, 2025

Monster Ever After
1. Jack
2. Grim
3. Satan
4. Orc - Paperback | Kindle
5. Crow
6. Full Sack
7. Mr. Jingle
8. Bunny
9. Thick Beef
10. Jack 2

Layla Fae
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

“We’ll need a bucket,” Gurd said, taking off his pants.

Karla never dreamt she’d meet an actual orc. Orcs don’t exist. They aren’t dangerous and powerful, with fists that might squeeze the life out of a hippo, not to mention a frail human. Their essence certainly isn’t, well, abundant – and also green and smelling deliciously nutty…

OK, fine, they exist. One is standing right there. Smelling nutty.

But even though he fills her with longing, Karla’s certain no orc in his right mind will go around lusting after her, a curvy woman suffering from adult acne, right? It’s impossible.

Well, guess what?

Gurd the Orc is in Karla’s bedroom, more than ready to conquer her with his green sword. And he’s asking for a bucket because you know what happens when an orc comes.

Karla’s carpet might never be the same after this.

Thoughts on Orc: I'm deep in my monster season and ORCS. Bruh. These guys know how to have a good time. Just ask Karla. And her poorly abused furnishings.

BUT FIRST! When Satan pops in (HI, LUC!) and offers a group of Orcs the chance to spread some havoc in the human world, Gurd and his buddies jump on it. Because there are ladies in the human world, something that is sorely lacking in their world. While they were SUPPOSED to cause mayhem and chaos while Luc was off spending time with his honey, Gurd finds himself doing some research (on the glorious internet, answerer of all questions asked, and purveyor of vast quantities of knowledge) and ends up chatting up a lady who's into monsters and other supernatural/fantasy things. What can be said about this except, YAY INTERNET CHAT ROOMS, I guess.

Anywho. Karla thinks Gurd is just a really dedicated cosplayer. Until, you know, she realizes he's the real deal. While she was initially a little freaked out by this (because OMG! ORC!), it doesn't take long until she's down for whatever it is Gurd wants to do. Unfortunately, this leaves her apartment a little worse for wear. BUT...she gets a hunky Orc who likes to shower her with pleasure (among other things), so she's okay with the mess.

A little chase, an Orc who's willing to defend his chosen lady from any threats (by hunting down and killing her enemies, but so it goes!), and a lady who likes her oversized honey and everything he comes with. *BIG BIG THUMBS UP*

Prey for Rabbit by Aiden Pierce [Review]

Prey for Rabbit (Holiday Horrors #3) by Aiden Pierce
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 20, 2025

Holiday Horrors
1. Burn for Jack
2. Bleed for Cupid
3. Prey for Rabbit - Paperback | Kindle
4. Cry for Krampus
5. Bend for Balor

Aiden Pierce
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

The silver wolf thinks I’m his prey. Little does he know, he’s mine.

The rabbit shifters and the werewolves have had a truce for centuries. Our burrow sets three of our kind loose in the woods on Easter to be hunted, to be slaughtered like the prey we are.

Then, the wolves leave us alone for the rest of the year.

When I’m selected as a sacrifice for this twisted tradition, I refuse to be another victim. All it takes is an abandoned cabin in the woods, an old ax, and the unexpecting wolves thinking I’m an easy target like all the rest.

The silver wolf is the only one who doesn’t underestimate me. It’s just my luck that when I scent him… I go into heat, and his inner beast chooses me for its mate.

Too bad we want each other dead.

Thoughts on Prey for Rabbit: A rabbit who isn't about to allow herself to be sacrificed quietly and a wolf who isn't interested in the hunt until he meets one fierce rabbit. These two don't seem like a good match on paper, but Ruth wakes Carver's wolf up and he sets all her senses blazing.

Or, more importantly, he sets off her heat. Which is problematic for several reasons starting with he's a wolf and she's a rabbit and ending with her heat pheromones are going to have all the wolves able to track her far too easily. So she does what any good bunny shifter would do and tries to entice Carver to claim her.

Did I mention that she also chopped off his brother's head while escaping after being caught on the hunt? Or that her sister was the previous year's sacrifice and Carver and his brother were there when she was caught? Yeah, these two have a little baggage to deal with. Frankly, both the wolves and rabbits as a whole need to take a long, hard look at the way they've been doing things because it's pretty messed up on both ends.

Anywho. A little running, a little chasing, an axe that sees some action, a wolf who knows what he wants, and a rabbit who gives as good as she gets. GOOD TIMES!

Egg Hunt by M.L. Philpitt [Review]

Egg Hunt (Twisted Holidays #2) by M.L. Philpitt
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 24, 2025

Twisted Holidays
1. Silent Night
2. Egg Hunt - Paperback | Kindle
3. Fright Night
4. Be Mine
5. Midnight Kiss

M.L. Philpitt
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

People rationalize their desires by calling them sins, and then use the Easter holiday to seek repentance before doing it all again. The pearl-clutchers of town would send me straight to hell if they knew what I enjoy. My sins are my own.

The day starts like any other, but then I learn she’s moved back. The woman I wanted for so long. She’s here. She’s free. But I’m about to change that.

When the town’s annual Easter egg hunt comes around, I decide that her and I will be having a private one. Even if she has no idea I’m the man behind the mask.

Except, I’m not the only one chasing her, but what he doesn’t realize is, she’s mine. My hunt. And wolves defend their prey.

Run, little rabbit, run.

Thoughts on Egg Hunt: This was a little lighter than other books in this series and...I liked it? Yep, I liked it. A lot. For all Jace is into the chase and being a little rough, he's also super into consent. He gives Payton plenty of opportunities to tap out if he's pushing her too far, but our girl is ALL IN from the start. Even more so when she realizes maybe the one hunting her isn't the stranger she originally thought he was.

Yup, Payton's into the chase. She's into being hunted through the woods. It speaks to a part of her she had never been able to indulge and, in fact, had been shamed for by her previous boyfriend. Who's a total tool, btw. Anyway. Payton spills her secret want to Jace and Jace is into being the chaser, so it works out for both of them. Not that Payton knows it's Jace, at first. She's just thrilled to be able to experience this thing she's been craving.

A very adult egg hunt, a little chasing, some steamy times in the woods, a man who knows what he wants, and a lady who is willing to let go and experience something she never thought she'd have. *thumbs up*

Knotting Cinderella by Siena Stone [Review]

Knotting Cinderella (Knotty Fairytales #2) by Siena Stone
Format: ebook
Source: borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 27, 2025

Knotty Fairytales
1. Hunted and Knotted by the Wolf
2. Knotting Cinderella - Kindle
3. Knotted by the Beast
4. Hunted & Knotted by the Minotaur King

Siena Stone
| Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Turns out, getting a fairy godmother is great. Getting caught by four royal alpha wolves? That’s… complicated.

Ella’s spent years as an unpaid servant in her own home, but when a royal decree commands every unmated omega to attend the Prince’s mating ball, her evil stepmother makes one thing clear: servants don’t get to play princess.

Enter one meddling fairy godmother with a flair for dramatic transformations and very specific rules about midnight.

The plan was simple: go to the ball, have one magical night, maybe eat some fancy food, then disappear before anyone figures out she’s nobody special.

What Ella didn’t plan on? Walking into a ballroom full of eligible omegas and immediately catching the attention of Prince Adrian and his entire pack of alpha wolves.

One sniff of her scent and these four massive, gorgeous, extremely possessive shifters know she’s their fated mate. Their omega. Their forever.

They’re claiming their mate. All four of them. In every way possible.

Which would be romantic if Ella wasn’t currently running for her life because the clock just struck midnight, her dress is disintegrating, and she’s pretty sure turning back into a girl in rags in front of the entire kingdom would be bad.

Now they’re hunting her with nothing but a glass slipper and an obsession that borders on unhinged. And when they finally track down their runaway Cinderella… when they discover she’s been hidden in plain sight, sleeping in a closet and treated like dirt… these wolves stop playing nice.

And anyone who hurt her is about to learn that “happily ever after” has very sharp teeth.

Thoughts on Knotting Cinderella: A Cinderella retelling with four hungry wolves and one lady who is trying to make the best of her terrible situation with her step-family. She doesn't expect to be compatible with the royal wolves, but THINGS HAPPEN.

I'm getting ahead of myself, though. Ella is existing. Her stepmother and stepsisters use her ruthlessly to keep their house and themselves looking good. She wants better for herself, but can't see a way of getting out of the situation her stepmother has trapped her in. Then the invitation for the ball comes and Ella sees a chance to experience ONE night where she can forget about scrubbing and cleaning. BUT (as is the way with Cinderella's wicked stepmother) her stepmother forbids her from going. Even though the invitation specifies EVERY unmated omega is to attend.

Enter one fairy godmother, one night of dancing and revelry, and an unexpected connection with four royal wolves. Yup, Ella hits the jackpot with that pack.

Meanwhile, the prince is worried since he and his pack haven't found their omega yet. But one glance at Ella has him and the rest of his pack sure they've found their fifth. A little steam, a little heat, and an unforgettable night with their omega and then midnight hits and she bolts. Which means these wolves need to pull out all the stops to find the lady who completes their wolves.

I enjoy a good fairytale retelling so *thumbs up*

Burn the World Down by Anna Hackett [Review]

Burn the World Down (Unsanctioned #1) by Anna Hackett
Format: paperback
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: December 5, 2025

Unsanctioned
1. Burn the World Down - Paperback | Special Edition | Kindle
2. No Matter the Cost

Related Series:
(Find all the reviews for the series under the 1st review)
Team 52
1. Mission: Her Protection

Anna Hackett
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

I’ll burn the world down for her.

Nash
I left my hometown behind. I joined the military, disappeared into black ops, and became a weapon for my country. I have no regrets.

Except one with pretty hazel eyes.

Now I’m retired, living a quiet life hiding in plain sight in Las Vegas. I still think of her. The prettiest girl I ever knew. My best friend’s little sister.

But I swore to leave her alone to live a normal life. That I wouldn’t drag her into the darkness.

Then I find out her life isn’t golden.

She’s in danger and I have the right set of skills to save her.

Georgie
Your life can change in an instant. One second, you have a happy family and a crush on your brother’s best friend.
The next, you’ve lost everyone you ever loved.

My family is dead and my sister fell prey to a predator. A rich, connected man who promised her the world.

And gave her hell instead.

Now, I have nothing left but a burning need for vengeance.

Until I collide with the boy who left me behind. A boy who’s now a tough, dangerous man.

He says he’ll protect me. He says he’ll help me take down my sister’s killer.

I might survive my revenge, but will I survive when he walks away from me again?

Thoughts on Burn the World Down: We're in LV where a group of former assassins are trying their hand at living normal lives. Mostly. Which isn't to say they're doing a bad job at that normal life thing, but that all have quirks and skill sets outside the societal norm and sometimes they need to stretch those muscles (for good reasons, now!).

Nash and his friends (his family, really, and I do love a good found family dynamic) are doing their thing when Nash realizes the woman asking about him is none other than the girl he left behind. The one he thinks is too good for him. The one who is on a path that she's not trained for and might end up destroying her.

Honestly, even if it hadn't been Georgie needing him, I think Nash still would have done what he did when he stepped in. Sure, he likely wouldn't have fallen in love with anyone else (and by "likely" I mean "definitely"), but he would have still done everything in his power to help anyone else in Georgie's situation. Because that's the kind of guy he (and his found family!) is.

Which brings us to Georgie. She's heartbroken about her sister, running on fumes and the need for vengeance, and her plan to get the man who hurt her sister isn't exactly fool-proof. As she finds out when rushing him and his bodyguards ends badly. Having Nash on her side is unexpected. Sure, she went looking for him, but she didn't expect to find him and she didn't realize how badly she needed the emotional support of someone who had her back until he was there for her.

A little danger, a bad man who exploits starry-eyed women, found family (love!), a former assassin who is exactly the man Georgie needs, and a woman who knows a good man when she finds him. *thumbs up* to the start of another fantastic series!

Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner by Ursa Dax [Review]

Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner (Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides #7) by Ursa Dax
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Date read: November 28, 2025

Cowboy Colony Mail-Order Brides
1. Married to the Alien Cowboy
2. Wrangled by the Alien Rancher
3. Resisting the Alien Rider
4. Wanted by the Alien Warden
5. Married to the Alien Mountain Man
6. Rescued by the Alien Bull Rider
7. Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner - Paperback | Kindle
8. Longing for the Alien Lawman
9. Bound by the Alien Buckaroo

Related Series:
(find all the books in the series on the 1st book review)
Holiday Romances of Elora Station
1. Chimera for Christmas

Ursa Dax
| Website | Amazon |

Synopsis (Goodreads):

A gentle alien saloon owner. An artist searching for a softer life. And the love that neither of them ever dared to hope for…

Capitalism and chronic illness are not a good mix. When my debilitating migraines get me fired from my factory job, I’m desperate. For a change. A chance. The space to think, rest, and paint like I’ve always wanted. I’ve never managed to make money from my art or secure a patron. So this new mail-order bride program on Zabria Prinar One now feels like the best (and only) way to escape my imploding life.

I sign up as a participant even though marriage is the last thing on my mind.

But then I meet Rivven, the quiet, lonely alien saloon owner who takes care of me when yet another migraine strikes. He’s sweet, strong, and generous beyond belief – offering me his bed to sleep in and his best bucket to barf in.

There are other men, too. Xennet and Dorn. Record snowfall has delayed their arrival at the saloon, but they should be here within a week.

In just a few days, I’ll have to choose which alien cowboy I’m going to spend the rest of my life with. I need to give each of them a fair chance.

Even though I think I might already be smitten by one…

Thoughts on Smitten by the Alien Saloon Owner: These Zabrians are all total sweethearts and Rivven is no exception. He's sweet, caring, hardworking, and absolutely WORSHIPS Shiloh pretty much as soon as he meets her. No lie, I'm super excited that we're getting to spend more time with the different cowboys on Zabria Prinar.

So. Shiloh and Rivven. She's a human lady who's enraptured with the sky and landscape of the planet the first time she sees a picture of Zabria Prinar. Applying for the bride program seems like a no-brainer since she's currently out of a job (thanks to the gross foreman) and this planet offers opportunities she wouldn't otherwise have. That said, the fact she'd be marrying one of the men on the planet doesn't really hit Shiloh until she's met Rivven and realizes he's all in on this idea of marriage.

As for Rivven, he's trying not to get his hopes up with the first human woman coming to their zone, but Shiloh calls to him from the moment he sees her. She's suffering from a migraine, is barely aware of what's going on, and he wants nothing more than to comfort and protect her. His constant, gentle presence has her looking at him in a way she didn't expect to and it isn't long before she starts to realize this kind, incredible male might be the best thing that's ever happened to her.

A few adorably awkward moments, a couple of familiar faces (Tenn and Tasha!), a male who wants nothing more than to cherish the incredible woman who lights up his life, and a lady who finds more than a little creative inspiration on this wide-open planet! MAN, I like these sweet, awkward aliens!

RtP's Week in Review (03/29/26)

Reading the Paranormal's Week in Review

• Baby for the Alien Warrior by Honey Phillips [Review] - Alien love!
• Pillow Talk Killer by London Lovett [Review] - Back on Frostfall!
• Tentacles and Truffles by Aly Tatum [Review] - Alien loving x 3!
• Tentacles and Troubles by Aly Tatum [Review] - Alien loving and beauracracy!
• Bleed for Cupid by Aiden Pierce [Review] - Monster love!
• RtP's 2026 Series Tracking - January-March - Let's track some series!

Bookish Delights

• Books added to the pile
• World's Okayest Oracle (Reluctantly) Seeks Demon (Supernatural Entanglements #2) by Olivia Dade - For review!
• I Punched an Alien and Now We're in Couples Therapy (Cosmic Chaos #2) by Kimberly Lemming - For review!
• Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess
• Sky Daddy by Kate Folk
• Currently reading
• Marc by Anna Hackett