I really loved the first book in this series (A Polar Exploration), and with this one Kass has really found her stride. From cover to cover, it's stuffed full of people loving each other, accepting each other, and learning to accept themselves, plus all the wit and spice and humor that I'm coming to expect from Kass O'Shire's writing.

A lot of romance books have a long list of potential triggers, but that list here (Cat has abandonment issues, pregnancy in epilogue, off-page war happening) is dwarfed by the many, many green flags that this book has: incredible body positivity, trans inclusivity, examples of reconnecting to one's culture. It really is pure love and support.

Cat and Torsten are the perfect couple, both absolute sweethearts. After 15 years away, Torsten is back in the town where he grew up, unsure of what to do with his life. Catrin is a frazzled single mom to rambunctious half-orc twins and is starting to realize that there are some things about orc child-rearing that she just doesn't know. When she's reunited with Torsten, her older brother's best friend who she spent her tween years in love with, she is just as skittish as the snow hare she can shift into. He's hot, he's flirty, and her kiddos are absolutely fascinated by this new-orc-in-town.

The two are pressured into pulling off a horse heist (you read that right), which gives them plenty of time to get...ahem...reacquainted. Torsten's dirty talk is off the charts, and their whole dynamic is adorable.

They just might be the solution to all of each other's problems...if Catrin can get over her fears of abandonment and learn to let Torsten in.

I love them, I love their kids, I love their whole community. I can't recommend this book enough for anyone looking for a fantasy that is both cozy and hot as hell.