Last updated on October 2, 2026
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
Each of the spicy cozy fantasy romances in the Leafshire Cove Monsters series is a standalone set in the same small town. They’re perfect for fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, The Spellshop, and Legends and Lattes. You can read them in any order. Escape into this sweet and spicy world of cottages, spells, and handsome monsters today!
This ebook is on sale for just 99c today! It’s normally $3.99.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling author, Alisha Klapheke, writes spicy cozy fantasy under the pen name, Lila Appleton. She’s been writing and publishing since 2017 and enjoys hiking, hanging with her cats who believe they’re dragons, and eating all the cheese.
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*NO GEN AI was used in the creation of this book or its art or its cover
Reviews:
“Five stars. Love is messy!
I thoroughly enjoyed the world building, including the cozy little town where everyone is accepted regardless of who or what they are. The stage is set around Nocturne, a Halloween-like festival, making it a perfect fall read.” ~Deb Barringer, Amazon Reader
“Five stars. Loved this one the most!
These characters were so well written that you grew to know them well over a short period of time. Lots of great details with very low drama and no miscommunication.
A m/f romantic fantasy. Small town, monster romance with an orc and human with a fairy son. Perfect Halloween read with seasonal festivals, food, spice and all the sweet feel good vibes. Dual POVs told in first person. Main couple-Halvard – orc male, bodyguard, warrior, barkeep. Rychell – female human, spice merchant, has an adopted fairy son, Nate.
Spice- couple 🔥scenes including a chase. Definitely can’t wait for the next book. Archer intrigued me. Especially since he is a writer too.” ~Nic, Amazon Reader
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