The Orc and the Innkeeper (Elderberry Falls, #1)

by Cora Crane

Mariah was a dream I never allowed myself to have, a wish upon a star that I extinguished with my own hands.

“Have you properly groveled yet? Because from what you’ve told me, it sounds like you’ve barely apologized, let alone made a real effort to atone for your past actions.”

“Mariah isn’t just some passing fling. She’s the love of my life, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone, even my own blood, disrespect her.”

Love is a risk, babe. A leap of faith. No one can ever know for sure how it’ll turn out. But if you don’t jump, you’ll never fly.”