When the Merchant Met the Orc

She wants a contract. He wants kisses.

Although she battles loneliness, Rychell is determined to grow her spice business and raise her adopted pixie son in peace. Love is off the table—her tumultuous childhood taught her that marriage isn't for her. So when the town herald announces that a prominent trader is seeking a wife who can treat marriage like a business deal, Rychell knows this is the opportunity she's been waiting for.

Halvard the Orc has only ever had eyes for Rychell. When he hears she needs a guard for a journey to the port town, he volunteers without hesitation. His plan? Keep her safe—and finally win her heart. But Rychell's walls are higher than he'd expected, and as danger brews along the road and attraction simmers between them, Halvard starts to realize this mission might require more than brute strength.

She's all plans and practicality. He's passion and persistence. It'll take more than muscle and charm to break through her walls, but Halvard has never backed down from a challenge. Especially not one that smells like cinnamon and a potential forever mate.

Tropes/Elements: spicy bodyguard romance, mate marks, magical familiars, mischievous fairies, single mother, chasing instinct, found family, she's reluctant to love, he falls first, flying on a broom, Halloween festival vibes, small town, standalone novel.