Healing the Orc's Heart

Trollkin Lovers #2

by Lyonne Riley

When Blizzek is conscripted to fight in the war against the humans, he assumes he'll end up dead—that's the only possible outcome for a stubborn, arrogant orc like him. But when he's gravely injured in a battle, it's a human woman with gentle, brown eyes who saves his life.

Nera inherited her skills as a healer from her father, who always taught her to care for the sick, no matter who they were. When she finds an orc out in the woods, well, she has a duty to help him. But is it more than just duty that convinces her to bring him home with her and nurse him back to health, too?

While kind Nera cares for him day after day, Blizzek finds an unspoken desire slowly blooming between them. But their people are at war, and Blizzek must return to the front lines, or die as a deserter—which would mean leaving Nera forever.

This is a very spicy monster romance novella! For all tropes and CWs, visit the author's website.

Features a guaranteed HEA!

Genres: Fantasy, Monster Romance, Romance, Monsters, Novella, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal

146 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 23, 2023

About the author

Lyonne Riley writes super steamy monster romance, fantasy romance, and sci-fi romance. She lives in the middle of nowhere with her spouse and two dogs, writing spicy fairy tales.

Reviews

[Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good except that i ended up shipping the wrong people WHOOPS

[Ra! ʕ •̀ ω •́ ʔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highlights:
I read the previous book in this series last month and absolutely loved it! I couldn't wait to start this one!! I love the language barrier trope in these! Blizzek was in the previous book and I loved him in this book too. Nera was sweet and so selfess. Even though they couldn't communicate, the chemistry was on fire. I liked seeing how the war effects peoples lives in each story. Agkar... I was so relieved to see the next book is about him.

Horn Level: 5/5🌶️

Format:
Ebook — Owned

The Rating
I give this book a 5/5🌟 rating. I am obsessed with this series. It has all my favorite tropes and each on is so cozy and fun.

Check out my socials here for more reviews!

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Healer x wounded warrior

Nera was a sweetheart and sometimes a bit too forgiving. Blizzik was a lil bit grumpy, although healing from something like he went through could put anyone in a bad mood. Their love story was cute with a lot of unnecessary heartache. I would have loved some more groveling from Blizzik and more anger from Nera.

Spice: 5/5

Triggers: violence, gore, war, imprisonment, slavery, starvation

[Eveslibrary · Rating 1 out of 5]

She saves your sorry green ass, looks after you for days then you “knock” her up and leave her naked and everything without turning back?! hell no.

[himbeerbuch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stuff your kindle day enttäuscht weiterhin nicht 😄 hab es mir ehrlich gesagt wegen des Covers runtergeladen, aber fand es echt sweet. Werde ich zum Monster-Romance-KU-Girlie oder bin ich es schön längst?

[Janessa ❁۪ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/ 5

I enjoyed this installment of Trollkin Lovers but what's with the (light spoiler)breakup period again? I cry. Also, I thought Telise coming to the farm randomly at the end of the book was kind of ... well, random lol. Anyway, I love these books. It makes me want to read all of Lyonne Riley's works (& I probably will).

Tropes: language barrier, hurt/ comfort, breeding/ pregnancy, bonded mates, slavery/ captivity (not by MMC).

[spidermse · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Where there's an orc...there's a way."

Ok did anyone else want Nera to end up with Agkar? 😆

Love the language barrier that Lyonne writes in these books. That's one of my favorite parts of monster/alien romance. I'm glad Nera and Blizzek had their happy ending but I wish Nera had made him grovel some before forgiving him. Make him work for it girl!

This book is on the shorter side so the spice/romance happens pretty quickly but Lyonne writes it well. I'm excited that the next book is about Agkar. I hope we get lots of grumpiness from him.

And Telise just pushing her way into their lives was fun to read!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story really captured my imagination and I read it in one sitting. It’s a sweet story with enough action, drama, and spice to keep things moving. My heart was aching for Agkar but I felt hopeful, knowing his book is next! :)

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute! If a tad frustrating. But I love some Fated Mates with a size difference.

3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale

[Amy Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
While I haven't read book 1 yet, I think I can safely announce a new favourite author! 🎉 This book grabbed my attention instantly and never let up, I loved it! To have no dry or slow sections at all is truly a writing feat!

This series has my favourite setting for monster romance, in the old world fantasy sort of age where people believed and knew other creatures existed, it also takes place out in the woods and a cute little farmhouse there, exactly where folklore and fairytales always had these beings and that's where I enjoy them most!
I loved that Nera is a healer and that she's always got a skirt or dress on, so much more romantic and feminine that way! (And easier access! 🤭)
I'm troll obsessed and the current parade of orcs and ogres haven't ever really intrigued me or scratched my troll cravings, but Blizzek has become my favourite orc of all the ones I've read, I think because he is old world and a warrior, he's tough and intimidating but he's also very kind, secretly a bit insecure and very loving.
I loved the story, as soon as I realized she was going to be healing him and trying to save his life I was so excited, for some reason I love that trope! It's even better when they can't tell what each other's saying! I loved watching their relationship and language skills bloom.
I'm a sucker for girls being caught and being slaves too which was extra fun, was it wrong that I really really liked the villain? I think I might have switched to team bad guy at one point! 😂

This is a great story with a few scorching scenes here and there, but it's more about the romance and the bonding over time which I really enjoyed as my brain rejects couples meeting and instantly getting into bed without even knowing each other. There's lots of action and adventure later on but this story always feels gentle and wholesome no matter really what's going on, I loved that. This is a beautiful book and I can't wait to get my troll fix with the first book!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I love Nera x Blizzek is absolutely unmatched. My big grumpy orc and little sunshine human. Nera’s huge healing heart stopping at nothing to take care of anyone, regardless of species, is so endearing. Plus the little peak we get into Telise and Raz’s life as mates is the icing on the cake. I’m so excited to read more books in this world. Monster lovers everywhere, this one is for you.

[Brittanica Bold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ooooooh goodness, YES!

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐝:
💚 I am a total sucker for wounded/healer romances!!! This was so perfectly done!

💚 I loved how Nera was nothing like Telise from book 1. I loved Telise, but I often feel authors fall into the trap of just remaking their MCs, especially their FMCs (i.e. blonde instead of brunette, thick instead of thin, etc.), however, Lyonne did not fall into this trap which was super refreshing! While I identify more with Telise, I loved Nera to my core! I loved watching the healer in her take control, as opposed to Telise who was a one-woman war machine who put herself and her needs first. Both beautiful souls and beautifully done.

💚 Speaking of differing MCs, I loved how Blizzek and Raz'jin (from book 1) were very different. Raz'jin was definitely a much more outwardly sweeter mate, but you could tell that Blizzek was also deeply impacted by his love. Blizzek definitely gave off rougher, dirtier bedside companion vibes than Raz'jin, but was also very sweet and caring at the same time. Two great but different guys.

💚 I loved seeing Telise and Raz'jin in this book and their little welp! It was a fun family to come back to at a crucial time in Blizzek's journey.

💚 I love how short these books are! Fast paced and steamy are the best! I also felt like this one didn't drag in the center like book 1 did a tad, which was a nice change.

[Mathilde Paulsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some tropes that I thoroughly enjoyed in this, such as one of them healing the other back from the brink of death, as well as the language barrier, but there were other things that I disliked. For one, I hated the unnecessary breakup, as well as the way they ended up back together. I also didn't pay enough attention to the amount of time that passed until I suddenly read the line "blablabla one year ago" and I was like huh??? Since when has that much time passed?? Very jarring. All in all, a short and entertaining read, although I'm not sure I'm sold on continuing the series.

[Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant] · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ Healer x Soldier Monster Romance.

This one was weird. And no, I don't mean it in the 'the mmc is an orc' kind of way. More in like the 'is this thinly veiled misogyny or am I seeing things?' kind of way.

Not my favourite, overall. I also don't like books where the third act break up keeps the mcs separated FOR YEARS!

This wasn't terrible, but I didn't love it either.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nera and Blizzek fell for each other in a way that just made sense. It was in the small details of her caring for him and learning his language, him playing her favorite game, him wanting to protect her, and those small, tender moments, just the two of them at home.

Lyonne Riley could probably write anything and I'd love it, let's be honest.

[Susi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Between 2 and 2.5 Stars

[Matecocido Seco•|• · Rating 2 out of 5]

WTF BLIZZEK?? I DON'T FORGIVE YOUUUUU, if it wasn't for him, it would be higher. He certainly doesn't deserves her, or to be happy, at all.

[Cosma · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book got recommended to me in a tiktok for monsterlovers and the premise of the story sounded very sweet and interesting, but I already knew I was probably in for something mediocre at best as I started reading and, to my horror, found out it's written in first-person. Suddenly I got flooded with countless war-flashbacks to the dark ages in which I was 12 years old, digging myself trough the trenches that were 2011 fanfiction.net.
As I came back down from my PTSD flashback I calmed down a little and told myself: I did it back then so I can do it again, maybe behind this terrible choice of a POV, there's an amazing and sweet story to be found. Well, I wouldn't say I was entirely wrong with that take, but just because something has a great idea behind it and big potential to be great, doesn't make it good in the end.

The whole book is merely 140 pages long and as you could already deduct from that, the story and especially the relationship feels EXTREMELY rushed. What I personally look for in a love-story is a connection, a natural way two people are drawn to each other with complicated and complex thoughts and feelings. This book gives you none of that though. It goes from 'oh no I hate human, human is disgusting and a sucky stinky goober' to 'my infernal cock is so rock hard right now I could cut fucking diamonds with it' in the same chapter.
The characters act very unnatural and random most of the time, making stupid decisions which lead to extreme feelings that suddenly are gone 2 sentences later because the author chose to put a timeskip in the same paragraph as the wannabe-dramatic scene that just scorched the retina off my eyes.
And well, speaking of characters, none of the featured chars feel very human (or orcish I guess), they act like stupid stereotypes your local writing-classes teach you to AVOID when writing a novel, making them look childish and as I said before very unnatural.
As I continued on, I've sunken deeper and deeper into the gooey pits of cringe, which reached their maximum depth at around the place where the titanic is rotting away on the ocean's floor as I reached the smut-stage. Listen, I'm a whore, a slut, a silly little ace that's hypersexual in spirit, but not in body, I've read my fair share of smut of all kinds, lesbian, gay, straight, eldritch beings putting roughly phallic-shaped things in way too small holes. The list is long. But oh man, these sex scenes were hard to read. You could eliminate Australia by raising the sea level of the seven oceans with the salty tears of a million 13y/o fanfiction smut authors that cry bitterly in disappointment because they wrote something that's not just better but way more erotic with their grease-covered sausage fingers at 3am on a school night. It was rough guys, my friends already offered to lobotomize me so I can forget.

All in all the overall plot was sweet, but the whole thing was unpolished, rushed and really gave me the ick somehow. I think once I forgot all the sucky details and only remember the basics of the story I might say 'yeah that book was okay' but until then, the cover will always haunt me, staring at me from the corners of my Kindle library, next to the handful other terrible books there, that I try to forget and forever deny to have read.

[Between pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Captivating Tale of Love, Healing, and Unexpected Bonds


Healing the Orc's Heart is a delightful sequel that continues the captivating journey initiated in the hallowed pages of "Stealing the Troll's Heart." In this enchanting tale, I was reunited with my old friend Blizzek, whose quick wit allows him to poke at poor Raz'jin's expense when Telise steals a kiss from him. The echoes of Blizzek's words linger in my mind: "Girlie get under your skin a little, did she?" "That little kiss she stole, eh?" "That's what does it for you, is it?" Oh, how the tables have turned aye!


The incredible healer, Nera. She is a truly remarkable character, despite the heartbreak of losing her loved one in the war, enduring heartache twice, and even being captured. Her compassion as a healer never falters; she goes as far as aiding the enemy. Despite carrying a heavy, broken heart, she finds strength and forgiveness within her. How can such a person exist? It is what makes her the embodiment of beauty.


This sequel deserves nothing but praise. It is a literary concoction that tantalizes the senses, blending with hot bedscenes, heart-melting romance, heartache, and a constant itch of anticipation for what lies ahead for the other characters. The book's dual point of view places me in the front row, offering an immersive experience. Blizzek's humor is particularly delightful, adding another layer of enjoyment.


The book explores a range of themes, including Grumpy-Sunshine dynamics, second chances, the sweet and slow romance, bonded mates, and even language barriers. Its page-turning nature and clear timeline make it an easy read to follow and become engrossed in.


I must mention the joy of witnessing Raz'jin and Telise's journey, along with their adorable little Izzek. It serves as a short extra epilogue to "Stealing the Troll's Heart." However, if there is one drawback, it would be that the book felt too short. I would love for more insight into Nera and Blizzek's family.


Overall, "Healing the Orc's Heart" is a captivating sequel that surpasses expectations. It intertwines various themes, showcases compelling characters, and leaves me longing for more.

[Cia Petrichor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect amount of sweetness and angst

I can’t decide whether I like this one more or the first, which is a good problem to have as far as I’m concerned. But this was another wonderful little story and I’m in love. More please, Lyonne! I hope our grumpy general gets his own shot at a human mate.

[kayla kadene sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

exciting

This book is a great read
Spice romance adventure sorrow and love wrapped up in one book, I wonder if that will
Be more?

[☾All of Meg☀ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would not rec would not reread, I kinda wish she’d ended up with the other guy

[Katie (hobbitthereader) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I spent 90% of this book shipping the wrong couple and despite knowing how it would end, I was still disappointed.

[Melissa Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick 2 hour read. I don't usually read novellas because the lack of in depth storytelling always makes the story a little flat.
That was not the case for this book. The backstory is short and simple as we are dropped right in the middle of a war. by chapter 2, our mains have met each other. There is skillful worldbuilding, the kind where information is said as a matter of course...and the reader fills in the rest with their imagination. The story is rarely stalled by moments of exposition.
As with all novellas, I do wish there were 100 more pages to flesh the story out a bit more, mostly because I don't want it to end.
My only issue with the story is the sudden abrupt ending, and the use of modern terms. Usually, I can give them a pass in fantasy books. One of the characters does mention a train as part of an idiom at one point, but there is no evidence that trains are a thing in this world. For certain it would be utilized for the war if there was. But that's just me being nit-picky

[sophie (sophieissapphic) · Rating 3 out of 5]

i snagged this book from stuff your kindle day!! i can't resist the wounded warrior x healer trope

i didn't read the first book in the series, which was completely fine (if you're okay with spoilers for book one). book two is about a different couple :)

this was a quick, fun read that I was able to read at the beach. if you like language barriers, fated mates, pregnancy, and human x magical creature pairings, you might like this one! i was able to get the third book in the most recent stuff your kindle day as well!!

the main thing i didn't like about this was the breakup period (so long, and for what?). apart from that, i just didn't always feel emotionally connected to the characters. don't get me wrong, it was fun and the kind type of book I wanted in the moment, but i'm looking forward to the rest of the series to see if this is resolved in later stories.

content warnings: death of spouse (past), war, pregnancy/breeding, slavery

[Chrissy Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★½

So, here's the thing—this book? It's like ordering a plain cheeseburger. Nothing too fancy, but it hits the spot when you're in the mood for something simple. The plot? Yeah, pretty straightforward. No need to break out a flowchart to keep track of who's who or what's what. The characters? Likable. You'll probably want to grab a drink with them, but you're not inviting them to your wedding.

The spice? Oh, it's there, and in just the right amounts. Not enough to make you need a cold shower, but enough to keep things... ahem... interesting.

All in all, it's short, sweet, and basic. Perfect for when you need a quick read that doesn't ask too much of your brain cells. Would I recommend it? Sure! Just don't expect filet mignon. You’re getting a solid cheeseburger, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

[Kelly G · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Im always impressed when characters can be fleshed out in such a short story. This was both extremely steamy and very sweet. It's definitely rushed at the end, but we got more of their HE than most novellas so I wont complain... Especially since I grabbed this for free on stuff your kindle day (thanks!)

[Taramisu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. It feels so rare, lately, to find a well written story. I would have happily given this 5⭐ had it:
1) Been fleshed out just a bit more.
2) Not used so many modern, crude terms for sex and masturbation. It felt out of place.

This was engrossing and emotional, all in under 200 pages.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just ok

[Fabienne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable story. I liked the ending. Suprisingly I like orc love stories 😆 maybe I'll read the others now too.