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Latest Reviews
An Offer to the Orc by Tracy Lauren
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Content Notes
Arranged Marriage
Herbalist FMC
Road Trip!
Manipulative Relationships
Slavery
Revenge
An Offer to the Orc by Tracy Lauren is the fourth installment in the Perished Woods series and delighted me with its delivery of a charming story of adventure. The story introduces readers to Rowena, a resilient young woman who embarks on a quest to the perilous Perished Woods to seek a curse that will rectify the wrongs committed against her. Her determination and strength of character drive the narrative forward, as she offers an enslaved orc, Arron, a chance at freedom in exchange for more than just guidance—a marriage.
Arron, the MMC, is a standout character and the biggest reason I picked up this book and found The Monster Bride’s series. Arron has always held a sense of gentleness and honor since at least Captured by the Orc King. This book fleshes that out. Even when I thought the FMC acted like a fool, Arron kept me going.
Rowena's character development reminded me of Tamed by the Troll. In both of these stories, I started off the story reading about a FMC who I wanted to slam sense into. So Rowena’s journey toward self-discovery and empowerment was also my evolution from being annoyed with her to rooting for her.
The Orc's Reluctant Bride by Jessica Grayson
Release Date: July 3, 2023
Content Notes
Arranged Marriage
Rival Nations
Dual Virgins
One-Sided Slow Burn Romance
Character Growth
Fated Mates
Transformation of Reluctant Bride
Peace Treaty
Touch Her and Die
Sweet with Stakes
The Orc's Reluctant Bride by Jessica Grayson is a cute, low-stress romance. The writing style is engaging but occasionally repetitive. The climax has a big build-up, but the drama is ultimately straightforward. The story's heart is Rhagar and Violet’s relationship.
Rhagar's instant recognition of Violet as his fated mate sets the stage for an arranged marriage to stop a war and ignites a slow burn on Violet’s part. The book successfully transforms Violet from a reluctant bride into a loving partner. That was super enjoyable.
Read this for the FMC’s development, the sweet romance, and one of the chillest coupes I’ve read.
Her Orc Husband by Zoe Ashwood
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Content Notes
Arranged Marriage
Fated Mates
Duel Virgins
Slow Burn Romance
Gentle and Patient MMC
Librarian MMC
Touch Aversion (due to non-consensual past experiences)
Breeding Kink
Her Orc Husband by Zoe Ashwood is a sweet, steamy slow burn about a shy human and her librarian orc mate. Violet, the FMC, has a huge issue dealing with touch aversion, so her inner journey is a highlight of this story.
The orc MMC, Marut, is huge and strong but also patient and observant. I instantly liked him. He immediately identifies Violet as his fated mate and grabs the opportunity to be with her, but also immediately recognizes her fears and helps her with them.
The orc clan atmosphere and the interactions between human mates and orcs add depth to the story. Color me intrigued with this world; I will likely read more Ashwood.
Promised to the Orc by Liz Paffel
Release Date: May 19, 2023
Content Notes
Dual Virgins
Trust Complications
Human Enslavement
Arranged Marriage
Magic Sword
Blacksmith FMC
Abusive Parent
Promised to the Orc by Liz Paffel is a tension-filled, unique approach to the story. I suspect I am giving this a slightly better rating than others because it seems the author took out some of the editing issues some reviewers have mentioned. I still agree that it is a gem that can be further buffed. The concept of this other world with science-y magic has potential.
The heroine's struggle with trust and pushing the hero away gave the story tension throughout the whole thing. It also made sense that Alta is so emotionally conflicted! The poor woman is a former slave. The father of the orc she loves made her and her people’s lives a true hell. I give Paffel a thumbs up for making me uncomfortable about the slave conditions and the anxiety the humans feel about orcs. I would have died in those conditions. It all felt pretty intense.
I think it is because I felt so much that I wanted a little more from this story. It will keep me looking for more of Paffel’s stuff.
To Be Read
MOAR orcs,orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, orcs, ORCS!!!!!
Housekeeping
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