Satyr by Megan Mossgrove
Rating: 4/5
Spice: 1/5
Plot: 4/5
Primary Genre: Cozy fantasy
Blurb: "I just thought my life would be different." At 34, Elaine spends each day going through the motions---alone. When she learns of her father's passing, she puts her home up for sale, hoping it will give her the strength to abandon the city, its memories, and the ghosts of her dashed hopes. Like her mother "There’s no longer a reason to stay." But soon, Elaine wonders if reason may have agreed to split spices at the market. Tall, handsome, green, with a bone shaking laugh, and a glorious smile, the orc innkeeper seems set on wooing her, but he doesn’t know the depth of her heartache. Or the truth that could very well push him away.
"This one can still be good."
Innkeeper by day, smuggler by night, Satyr dreams of a future where he can keep the Aspen Inn afloat without skimming Arnell’s precious pearls—but too many rely on him for it to be a choice. When the pressure doubles and his separate lives bleed together, it’s all he can do to stop it from affecting the inn’s newest resident—the castle’s head chef, whose ribboned hair and solemn eyes betray more than she knows. With found family, life after loss, and a bit of hot chocolate, Satyr is a sweet, heart-achy, cozy romantasy about a chef that carries a mountain of grief, and the orc innkeeper who’s determined to carry her in turn.
The Good:
* This gave very strong Legends and Lattes vibes, which I read earlier in the year and absolutely loved. This story has a different plot but some similarities. I loved L&L and this book as well.
* The main characters are both chefs so there is a lot of discussion about cooking, spices and recipes. I enjoyed that because I love to cook as well.
* The found family storyline was really the thread that wove this story, the shining star if you will. The relationships/friendships in this book are what make it so captivating. Satyr is such an incredibly kind and generous person. The romance is very gentle and sweet.
The Meh:
* This book had a strong infertility/pregnancy loss theme that may not be for everyone. It didn’t bother me or take away from the plot for me at all
* If you’re looking for a really spicy book, I’d look elsewhere. This story really doesn’t need it but if you’re looking for something that’s more like ACOTAR that just isn’t what this is
* I felt like these characters had more of a story to tell, I wish that this was full length and not a novella!
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent cozy fantasy if that’s what you’re in the mood for. It transports you to another world in the most comfy and relaxing way. This book would pair well with a sherpa blanket and hot coffee or cocoa.
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