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Bellhaven Clan #7

Her Orc Gentleman

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When your family sends you to the orc kingdom to get rid of you, you know you’ve really messed up.

Perhaps I shouldn’t have let my cat scratch the baron’s face when he attempted to win my hand in marriage by force. But how could I have known he’d get an infection and lose his eye?

When the entire duke’s court turns against me, my uncle offers me a way out: serve as his emissary to the lands of king Gorvor, disappear from the public eye for a while, and return after people forget all about me.

It seemed like a good idea at the start, but now I’m trying to navigate the orc court, and it’s not going great.

In fact, an orc warrior has attached himself to my side, claiming I’m his fated mate. I want to hate him, because he’s always there, watching over me, protecting me - and my cat - but he’s more of a gentleman than any of the men I met in human lands.

And when he offers to show me what being mated to an orc could be like, I cannot resist him for long. The issue is, I’m only here for the winter, and leaving might be more painful than I thought.

Her Orc Gentleman is an orc fantasy romance and features a scarred warrior hero and a bookish heroine. This is an age-gap romance with size difference issues and is set in the world of the Bellhaven Clan. You can read it as a standalone with a full HEA, but you might enjoy getting to know the world by starting at book one.

** This is Ozork and Willow’s story. **

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2023

280 people are currently reading
494 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Ashwood

42 books910 followers
Zoe Ashwood writes sexy paranormal romance for women who believe in magic and true love.

She's in love with the art of making up stories - and making her characters fall in love.

Get a FREE orc romance by joining her newsletter !

You can also find her on: Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.

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5 stars
812 (43%)
4 stars
672 (35%)
3 stars
324 (17%)
2 stars
55 (2%)
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8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
Profile Image for RLbooks (in and out).
988 reviews479 followers
May 2, 2024
Still 3.5 stars but rounded up and I think the slump may finally have broken *knocks on every wooden surface in my house*

This series continues to be very cozy and sweet. This orc H was one of the ones that falls in the "devoted immediately" category and the way he spoke to her and called her "love" made me melt, his attention barely came off her. He's also an older, scarred orc who had worried his mate wouldn't be attracted to him. The h was so uncertain what was happening and what she should do because of the role she was assigned by her uncle, but I felt like she grew and came into her own by the end. The emphasis placed on how the orc culture thrives in the Hill was wonderful and seeing one of the human women really dive into that and highlight how the orcs were building something superior in contrast to the issues the human kingdoms were facing was so intriguing.

Most of the tension was built really well. And though the burn was slow, the steam definitely gets there and a couple of explicit scenes are on page, including the knotting. I didn't love how the final secret reveal came about, but it also fit very well with the characters and addressed a big question mark for me given the h is sent to the orcs to effectively root out info on them.

There's an adorable cat that didn't get enough page time. It was great seeing some of the prior couples and the next couple is set up nicely too. The ending is an epilogue a few months into the future and covers their HEA, alongside dealing with the h's uncle (this scene was excellent).

Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow/om drama, H not a virgin (h wonders about his history but nothing specific is stated other than knotting is only reserved for mates), and h was a virgin with barely any kissing experience.
Profile Image for Grey Story.
368 reviews22 followers
December 18, 2023
Zoe Ashwood's Black Bear Clan series is a great easy comfort read and Her Orc Gentleman is no different. Like a decent warm, familiar hug. It was once again fun seeing all the characters again and I'm looking forward to Mara's story next and Neekar's down the road. I enjoyed the humor in this story as well and there's decent spice with consent and a good time for everyone.

Although Ozork is like over ten years older than Willow, 1) I got the impression she was in her late 20s based on how she compared herself to the other human females in the clan so it wasn't like she was super young, and 2) it was clear that the human alternatives for suitors were at least that old or older, plus gross money grubbing nobles to boot. In any case, Willow and Ozork are both rather mature in behavior and felt like they fit very well together.

One thing I noticed happening repeatedly was that our FMC Willow or MMC Ozork may do or say something a bit out of pocket that made me raising an eyebrow or rolling my eyes but it never got farther than that because the characters would discuss issues that were bothering them like, y'know, adults. Example: Ozork noticed Willow wasn't being forthcoming like he hoped she would? He tells her that, immediately, and makes it clear that she doesn't have to share everything but at least don't actively keep things from him. The longest time this happens I think is at the end where there's a total of several hours between Willow disliking that Ozork wasn't truthful with her and when she tells him as much, and a big part of that is because that wait time is plot relevant, intentionally crafted to help get from point a to point b but without also being frustrating. Great! Awesome! Appreciate that.

Ellis the bookshop owner seems to have they/them pronouns. I didn't notice that in Marut's book and it was a small thing that made me happy. In Her Orc Blacksmiths, we not only saw some M/M romance between Torren and Morg, both fated mates to Jasmine, but the female orcs also scented Jasmine when she first arrived as well, implying there could be same sex fated mates between orcs and humans. We're also obviously getting a female orc/male human combo in His Orc Lady, book #7, between Mara and Owen. Between all of these details, I'm hoping we may someday get a F/F or M/M book related to the Black Bear Clan!
Profile Image for Elena Rodríguez.
1,188 reviews492 followers
February 21, 2024
“For accepting me as I am. ”

Me encanta esta saga.

Yo no pido mucho últimamente, solamente algo que me despeje por las noches. Esta saga es ligera, tierna, entrañable y me calienta el corazón.

Necesito el siguiente.

Cambio y corto.
Profile Image for spidermse.
312 reviews49 followers
March 27, 2024
"You smell like tart apples and honey, Willow. When we're out on the road, it's my favorite dessert to make. Add a little cinnamon, and it's the best thing I've ever tasted. I bet you'll taste sweeter still."

I don't know what sort of magic Zoe uses when she writes these books...every time I finish one I think there's no way I could possibly love these orcs more. And then I start another and I do. If I could pick a fictional world to live in this would definitely be it. TAKE ME TO THE HILL!

I'm so happy Ozork got his happy ending finally! He's so charming and adorable and HOT.

Can't wait for the next one!!
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,835 reviews365 followers
March 3, 2024
3.5 stars!

Her Orc Gentlemen is the sixth book in the Black Bear Clan series and Ozork finally finds his mate! Willow is sent off to the Orc kingdom under the pretense of a liaison when she needs to get away from a certain high society male that she stood up to. Willow is a bookworm, strong and adorable. Finding out that she is Ozork’s mate was never in her life plan but she acknowledges the feelings he pulls from her.

Soon these two are realizing that despite their life differences, their coupling may just work.

“You’ll look so fucking gorgeous stretched on my cock, Willow. My body was made to give you pleasure, and I finally get to show you.”


I loved Ozork. He was a gentle giant and so affectionate and obsessed with his Willow. I enjoyed reading their love story and how Willow grew as a character. A little action, a perfect amount of spice and bread crumbs for the next story rounded Ozork and Willow’s love story! Super enjoyable age gap romance.
Profile Image for Mindfly.
27 reviews
December 17, 2023
Tbh I expected more, but it's still a good read to get your mind off life and experience a cute romance.

Before talking about what I didn't like, I have to say that I still enjoyed it A LOT. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these books and I had a lot of fun reading it🩷

I guess I was just expecting more depth in the relationship, some development, and things to go slower. While reading it, I got the feeling that it was written pretty quickly. I thought the realization on Ozork's side was going to be waaaaaay more dramatic and epic. Like, this man has been waiting all his life for a mate more than anyone else, for decades and decades... And when he finally finds her, he's very... Typical? Casual? From the other books in the saga, we know that Ozork is a very responsible and kind orc who is very fatherly towards each couple and the whole clan. He is pretty much resigned and assumes that it will never happen to him. My point is that I thought he would react like Mara did, dropping something or being completely shocked.

The "you're my mate" reveal is also super fast and rushed, and it almost felt like it was no big deal. And with Willow being the duke of Ultrup's niece, you would expect the story to be more exciting and dramatic (obviously with a happy ever after, but one a little more difficult to reach).

AND. MY GREATEST DISAPPOINTMENT. WHY DIDN'T THE CAT GET MORE PROTAGONISM???? Like you're telling me this little dude saved Willow from basically being SA'd, and he kind of just isn't relevant?? I was picturing a more funny and endearing comedic relief than it was, especially because it was mentioned in the book description that Ozork takes care of Willow and the cat.

I was expecting the typical cliché scene where Willow tells Ozork about the cat saving her, and he is like "thanks little dude, I'm going to kill that man", BUT IT IS NEVER MENTIONED. Sorry for rambling, I just expected a lot. It's not a bad "fated mates" book, I just basically had already imagined the whole plot in my mind, and the reality wasn't what I had envisioned, so my bad haha.

Still, very nice read<3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelspar.
451 reviews10 followers
July 3, 2024
2.5/5 rounding up

Dang, unfortunately I feel like these books got progressively worse as the series went on. Everything was extremely rushed. There was no time for chemistry to build, barely enough time for weak backstory for the FMC (who was just as annoying as the previous FMCs), zero new character development for the MMC, and the thinnest of plots. I was excited for this orc to finally get his mate, he's been waiting for so long (all previous books +20 years), he definitely got the short end with this crazy rushed book and no romance 💔. I should probably give it 2 stars but I'm feeling generous because the bones were there and I could see what it could have been. So much lost potential in these. The next one is coming out soon, and the couple has been building for the last 2 books, and I just don't care, like at all. I know it is going to be the same rush mess. I'm officially done with this series but I guess I still do recommend if you're looking for a quick read that is sweet just has zero depth.
Profile Image for Ahren McNamara.
145 reviews
January 3, 2024
I am feral for the Black Bear Clan books and I am so happy that Ozork got his HEA. No notes.
Profile Image for book_reader_addict.
563 reviews34 followers
September 19, 2024
I love this world and the characters so much! Easy to read slow burn but still so 🔥 it was wonderful to read Ozorc’s story at last!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Christy.
899 reviews38 followers
December 17, 2023
So... I heard that this Jasmine chick is mated to two orcs 👀👀👀
Profile Image for Robin L.
1,270 reviews9 followers
December 20, 2023
I want to give this a higher score because the romance is done so well. But, alas, nothing else really happens and that left me disappointed.
Profile Image for Sopha.
199 reviews14 followers
December 16, 2023
”You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He helps me sit up. “I thought the Fates had forgotten about me, but they were just waiting to bring us together.” He pulls me in his arms so my naked body is pressed to his. “Thank you.”



Rating: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️


I spent time giggling and kicking my feet throughout this book. Oh, Ozork. Where is my own Ozork? 😭😭😭

I LOVED Ozork and Willow together. He was a true gentleman (that can go feral 🌝) and she was so adorable. She might have arrived at the Hill with a secret mission from her uncle, the Duke of Ultrup, but a Black Bear Clan orc can turn anyone’s head. Any chance of denial is NIL when you’re their mate because that orc will win you over in every way possible.

Next is Owen and Mara and I cannot wait, I am SCREAMING.

To Zoe: can I be Neekar’s mate?
Profile Image for DJ K.
164 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2023
I seriously love this series, it's so good! This one was no different, however, the orcs calling the clit a "pearl" makes me cringe. Anyways, it was a sweet book. I love a good consensual age gap, and this one fit the bill.
Profile Image for Merrin.
977 reviews52 followers
January 26, 2024
Knocked a star off for a scene with a pregnant human in a hot tub bc it knocked me straight out of the story, but this was otherwise very good.
Profile Image for Lissa.
1,319 reviews141 followers
December 29, 2023
I hate to be That Person, but the books in this series are starting to sound all the same to me. I liked that Her Orc Blacksmiths changed it up a bit by introducing two mates for one woman, but this kind of fell back into the same pattern. I felt like I'd read this story before, even though it was newly published.
Profile Image for Courtney.
374 reviews8 followers
August 27, 2024
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He helps me sit up. “I thought the Fates had forgotten about me, but they were just waiting to bring us together.” He pulls me in his arms so my naked body is pressed to his. “Thank you.”

Her Orc Gentleman is the latest story in the Black Bear Clan series. I’m so excited we got Ozark’s story!! He’s such a dreamboat and finally got his perfect human mate 🥹. This gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me!

The PINING this orc shows for Willow made me swoon! She’s so lucky! She’s very apprehensive to accept Ozark as she doesn’t think she will be at the hill past the winter. Ozark works his charm though! I love how he’s just there for her, no pressure, and does everything possible to show her what it would be like to have him as a mate. Their story is a slow burn as they become close friends first, but once they solidify their bond it gets sooooo spicy! The bath scene y’all… my lord it’s so HOT 🥵. I’m a sucker for a good bathing scene that gets steamy.

I also loved how this book brings back the Captain who we met in the previously. There’s something suspicious about him and Mara… I’m so excited for their book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,395 reviews232 followers
December 15, 2023
"I've waited a long time for you, Willow, and every single day has been worth it."

4.25 stars!

This was another sweet and sexy addition to this fantastic orc romance series by Zoe! I just loved Ozork so much; he was such an absolute sweetheart in how he constantly put Willow's needs first and how patient he was with her as she worked through her reservations and guilt. He also had a secret dirty-talking side that made me straight *blush*... hello Daddy Ozork 🥵🍆🔥🔥 I loved seeing the other couples happy and in love, and I cannot wait for Mara and Owen's story next🖤

Tropes: fated mates, age-gap, orc romance, cinnamon roll hero, sheltered heroine, he falls first, praise kink, size difference, knotting, slow burn, band of brothers, STEAMY🔥

*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,438 reviews
December 17, 2023
HER ORC GENTLEMAN finally brings us Ozork's story and I'm so happy this gentle warrior has finally found a mate! I liked Willow's spunk and her determination and while she's lived a fairly privileged life she's not afraid of hard work and she takes a stand once she realizes some of the shady things her uncle, the Duke, is doing. She's a fierce woman and a good match for Ozork who is ready to worship the ground she walks on as soon as he meets her. Ozork has waited a long time for a mate and to finally have a family of his own and I loved the way he welcomed and appreciated Willow.

We also got to see lots of Owen, Willow's guard, and I can't wait for his story with Mara! I've been dying for her story since book 1 because we need more lady orcs as main characters in romance. Every book in this series is fun, steamy, and just a delight to read.
Profile Image for Debbie Green.
239 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2024
Ozork and Willow

I have a soft spot for a solid Orc narrative, and this one's climbed its way to the top of my list. It’s another gem from the Black Bear Clan series, which I just can't get enough of. Ozork and Willow, the lead duo, caught my attention right away. Despite the noticeable age difference, they just mesh so well. What really stands out to me is their transparency and stellar communication skills. This story takes its time, focusing more on the blossoming romance rather than rushing through the plot. It’s a slow burn in the best way.
Profile Image for My Metal Monster.
37 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2023
Zoe never disappoints! Omg I love this series!

Ozork is the older scarred Orc that plays the fiddle and has been waiting for love.

Willow is the Duke of Ultrap’s niece who is being punished for causing a disruption at court (dude loses an eye, he deserved it).

This story had such a great slow burn, lots of anticipation, size difference, etc. I also love to hear what all the other couples are doing, and it’s neat to hear where other major players are at in their stories.

5 Stars ⭐️

Enjoy!
Profile Image for Amy.
776 reviews5 followers
October 27, 2024
Cute, but nothing stood out about it. I liked that the main character was a noble woman, but she didn't resist advances for the sake of propriety long enough to really make it a distinguishing character trait.

The book was moreso a build up for the next one. If my library doesn't acquire it, I will riot. I need a lady orc and her pining angsty human man!!
Profile Image for Kait.
1,401 reviews229 followers
December 17, 2023
“I’ve waited a long time for you, Willow, and every single day has been worth it.”
Profile Image for Alie TE.
119 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2024
I just love these books so much!!
Profile Image for Lindsey (30Something_Reads).
798 reviews32 followers
June 12, 2024
I, too, would give it all up for Ozork.

I really like Willow and Ozork. This one is more of a slow burn and probably has one of the most compelling storyline from the series so far.
Profile Image for Arctic_Banshee.
368 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2024
I enjoyed that the mmc was straightforward, and didn’t let the fmc slide with lying to him about things.

And also I was very happy to see Ozork get his HEA because he had been so sad and lonely. 😩 I think Willow was perfect for him. I also liked seeing him lose his cool a couple of times. He always seems like the balanced one of the bunch.
Profile Image for Callie.
658 reviews29 followers
December 16, 2023
These always promise to be cozy and cute!

There are some serious themes but they’re fairly low angst and not heavy on plot.

This was another quick, cute fated mate story.
Profile Image for Pawpaw.
249 reviews
December 29, 2023
Spicy chapters: 14, 16, epilogue

1. Oh so the FMC is privileged
2. Rather than being a gentleman, the MMC is rather ... rude (considering how often he infiltrated the FMC's private zone). And it's confusing how the FMC is okay with it, but maybe because they're a mate
3. I'm Asian, so after waking up it's a habit to take a bath, I'm a bit surprised after waking up, Willow didn't take a bath again, or maybe because of the weather?
4. "Ozork offers me his arm again when we make our way down the corridor. I take it because I’m a weak woman and can’t resist his warmth this early in the morning." IS THIS REAL??? 😭
5. Oh Zoe, you clearly don't have a cat, don't you? Cats mustn't eat mice that are walking around the house because they're unhygienic
6. Okay I like how this is so intimate in a romantic way
7. I never read Pride and Prejudice but this feels like Pride and Prejudice
8. I didn't like water play because it'll hurt (the lubricant not lubricanting u know)
9. Willow wasn't in her right mind, poor baby :(
10. That was sweet but the spice isn't enough for me, it's still too vanilla
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
89 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2024
Sweet and cozy tale of best boy of the series getting his love.
HEA. Standalone in a connected timeline.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ½ 4.5/5: Romantic erotica with multiple explicit descriptive sex scenes, low on adventurous behaviors/kink.
Tropes: Fated mates, Noble lady & her guard, Age-gap, Size difference, Scenting, Cultural Differences
Setting: Medieval fantasy towns & roads, Underground burrows
Subplots beyond the main & romantic plotlines: Plenty of time spent on the growth of characters, setting up the next book, with a dash of political machinations.
Character Willow: Head-strong, Clever, Intelligent, Noble Lady
Character : Cinnamon roll, Guard
Best Pet Defender: Most dangerous & damaging-inducing character on the page is Thistle the cat.
Note: I provide full star ratings for books I complete, aiming to accentuate their strengths while refraining from negative critiques.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews

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