The Orc and the Manny by Chloe Archer (Monsters Hollow Book 1)

 

First in a new series, billed as an MM Monster romance, The Orc and the Manny is set in Monster Hollow...

From the blurb:

Welcome to Monsters Hollow, where love knows no bounds—even in a town full of monsters!

Targan Wildethorne

A confirmed bachelor, and a historian by training, I haven’t the faintest clue how to care for twin orclings when I unexpectedly become their guardian. I’d love to retreat into the comforting sanctuary of my study, surrounded by my books and papers, but first I need to hire someone to help me with the children. Someone who can teach me the ropes of this new role.

Thank the Light for the All-Species Specialized Employment Services! In my most dire hour of need, they find the perfect nanny—ahem, manny—to help me look after my young wards. Now I can finally get back to writing my history of orc folklore for a few hours a day.

Or so I thought.

Instead I find the captivating new man in my home far too distracting. Max is so much more than I had expected. I’ve never fallen for a human before, but I can’t get him out of my mind. Could he ever feel the same about an orc? Humans are usually too intimidated by our large size and outer appearance. Can Max look past my green skin and tusks to see a man with a heart that yearns for him? And if he does, when he learns the truth about the children will the danger on the horizon send him running?

Max MacLeod

Working with kids is totally my jam and I’m damn good at what I do. Just call me Maxy Frickin’ Poppins! When a new job prospect comes my way, I’m intrigued. A chance to move to Mystic Hollow (aka Monsters Hollow) to be a well-paid manny for two adorable orclings? Talk about a dream position. Sold! But when I lock eyes with the seriously sexy orc who’s their guardian—and my new de facto boss—for the first time, I’m a goner. Big, muscular, and green all over–he’s giving me full-on Hulk meets stern professor vibes—and I like it.

As I get to know him, over meals with the kids during the day and soft-spoken conversations about history at night, I soon realize there’s so much more to Targan than the gorgeous orc who keeps starring in all my naughtiest dreams. He’s quite possibly the kindest, gentlest man I’ve ever met. And he accepts and appreciates every part of me and my flamboyant, full-figured fabulousness. I just want to feed and take care of him—and find out if he’s so deliciously big everywhere. Before I know it, I’m dreaming of being part of a forever family with him and his adorable twins. But an unexpected threat looms in the shadows that could threaten the safety of us all…

The Orc and the Manny is a (94k words) cozy small town M/M monster romance featuring a Hulkalicious silver fox orc professor who's better with books than kids, a flamboyant human manny with ALL the skills (think Nathan Lane in The Birdcage meets Mary Poppins), an age gap, a size difference, a three-headed hellhound and a feisty rescue Chihuahua, two adorable orcling twins, and copious amounts of orc…joy!

Sheena's Review:

This is a new (ish) author to me - I read the short story in this universe that appeared in the Fated Mates anthology and I liked the world created so I thought I would give this a try. This was unexpectedly delightful. It's billed as a monster romance, and it is indeed that, but it's much more than that too. I liked Targan right away, an Orc who has spent his life in academia and now has been left with two young orphans to bring up and no clue how to do it. He's so adorably clueless at the start.

Then we have Max, supernanny - or supermanny as he'd probably prefer. I loved Max, he's sassy, flamboyant, and completely dedicated to his job. I also loved how he's described as fuller figured and loving it. He's sunshine personified and goes out of his way to never meet a stranger. The connection between him and Targan is immediate and strong and it was such a joy to see it develop over the course of the book along with his relationship with the children, and Targan's relationship with his young wards.

This is also an exploration of grief, and that's done wonderfully well too, it's heartfelt and touching and wonderful to see them all work through it together on the hardest day. I adored this story, even the slight peril at the climax of the story made me giggle a little too, Max is just the best. I loved every word of this story and and highly anticipate other stories set in this world and town.

Rating: 5 Stars

Miki J's Review:

Loved this book. Yes, we are dealing with monsters, but not in a dark sense. Nor is it a totally light'n'fluffy book - as it does touch on some heavy issues (grief/loss of parent).  

I found the story to be totally engaging. I loved learning about the town and the characters... and as for the MC's - Targan is a sweetie who has absolutely no clue about children... but the real star is Max - what a beautiful character!!! From his confidence and aplomb reactions... he's the quintessential diva (in the nicest possible way!!!)  

The romance between them is sweet (and steamy!!! oh boy!!)... but the story also focuses on relationships with family and friends and helping each other... I also loved the snippets at the beginning of each chapter and I can't wait on next book!!

Rating: 5 Stars

The Orc and the Manny is currently available in e-book format and can be read as part of your kindle unlimited subscription.