Falling for the Grumpy Orc

A Monsters of Saltford Bay Standalone

De: Mary Auclair

Narrado por: Samantha Cook, Gabriel Spires

I came to Saltford Bay for a fresh start. I didn't expect it to come with a big, broody orc who thinks smiling is a crime and I'm a disaster waiting to happen.

He might be right. I might also want to kiss him. Both can be true.

Newly divorced and armed with nothing but grit, strong coffee, and a Pinterest board full of impossible dreams, my plans to renovate a crumbling seaside lodge are jeopardized by the town's grumpiest, greenest contractor.

Gerralt Banesman is big, broody, and allergic to conversation. I'm sunshine, sass, and a walking chaos magnet. Our first meeting ended with spilled wood stain, sharp words, and one very offended orc.

But when a shady rival threatens everything I've been working for, Gerralt steps in with calloused hands and a scowl that might be hiding a heart of gold. The more time we spend together, the more I start to suspect there's something under that gruff exterior. Something warm, protective, maybe a little bit dangerous, and one hundred percent sexy.

And the real problem? I'm starting to like it.

Welcome to Saltford Bay, where monsters are real, neighbors are nosy, and true love comes with claws. Perfect for fans of Emily Antoinette, That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon , and Get a Life, Chloe Brown.

Each book in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series can be enjoyed as a standalone. This cozy and steamy small-town romance story is low angst, funny, and full of sexy, grumpy monsters with tusks and hearts of gold. Intended for mature listeners.

©2026 Mary Auclair (P)2026 Podium Audio

I'm all for some good gobbling, she said!

This was a fun, cozy and fast read (listen). I really, really loved the voice actors in this story! Gerralt was so growly and sexy and Cassidy was amazing as well. It's the kind of story that I listen to relax and have fun while taking a bath or walking my dog. Be careful though... the steamy scenes are steamy, so you'll have to like that!

Good start to this world

This was my first audiobook from this author and I went and listened to all available from this world currently (3 for now). I love cozy monster romances so this was right up my alley. I liked the push and pull between Cassidy and Gerralt and was hopeful the two could work out their rough pasts to see their future right in front of them. The chemistry was good, some things for me kept me from giving it a 5 stars, but overall I thought this was a solid first book in a series of standalones in the same world.

I was happy to see the meddling townsfolk hahaha, they are usually my favorites when it comes to these cozy monster romances. I love the HGTV aspect of this one too, with the renovations to the B&B. The difference between the paint colors and how the man couldn't tell a difference haha so perfect. I liked the baddies int his one, but it was pretty predictable. I appreciated how everyone helped come together to help Cassidy out and I loved seeing reconciliation for one of the side characters, after they got their stick out of you know where. I was hoping the cheating ex would get more handed to him but she got her HEA without him, so that's all that matters haha.

Audio was good, some of the narrators were new to me so I am always interested to see how they do. I thought they both did a good job with their performances, helped me become immersed in this new world. I liked the emotions really came through, especially for Gerralt and his lack of trusting people (because of what happened to him previously) and the guilt eating away at him. The love the town has for him and then for Cassidy was very evident. Solid 4/5 stars all around for me!