Falling for the Grumpy Orc

A Monsters of Saltford Bay Standalone

By: Mary Auclair

Narrated by: 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.

©2025 Mary Auclair and Deliciously Dangerous Books (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!