On the first day of winter, my deadbeat, criminal ex shows up on my front yard, and before I can call the cops, a horned, shirtless orc arrives on the scene and punches him to the ground.
Three things happen at once: Garlen Irontree and I meet in person for the first time. Which, at first, is lovely. Then he stands much too close, inhales my scent, and morphs into a snarling, raging, green-muscled beast who repeatedly thunders "my bride." Uh oh. Then Garlen's orc companions appear out of nowhere, tackle and bind him in heavy chains, and drag him through the snow to the mansion next door. Orcs historically kidnap their brides in the dark of winter; therefore, will they keep Garlen caged until spring? Third… I realise that the snarling orc is the sexiest male I've ever met. And at the end of winter break, I'm expected to co-teach with him at Black Oak Academy. Because he's the new hire and I'm his boss. Oh hell. How is this going to work out? This body-positive rom-com seems heavy on the other man drama, but is very light. There is no cheating and all the consent. Includes the sexiest group of badass orcs ever assembled in one location! Tropes include: epistolary romance for the first half of the book; slow burn with lots of steam; single mother who puts her daughter first; virgin hero who takes consent very seriously; a later-in-life secondary romance; and a cute, messenger corgi!
