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Monsters With Benefits #1
Enticed by the Orc
Are you feeling lost? Lonely? Disenchanted?
In my case, it was yes to all of the above. So when I saw the ad promising to fulfill my biggest wish, I chugged the rest of my wine… and said the I deserve happiness. Love. Belonging.
I should’ve read the fine print.
Now I’m in another world, filled with Fae folk. There are witches, minotaurs, and trolls. The dark elf king has put a bounty on my head. And the only protector I have is a huge, grumpy orc who loathes humankind – including me. But his brusque commands and intense stare make my belly flip and my breath catch. And when he touches me… oh, my heart…
Despite our undeniable chemistry, the orc is determined to help me get home. Problem is, I’m not sure I want to go.
I kinda want to stay here…
With him.
This is the first in a steamy romantasy series where each book features a different dominant monster hero falling in love. If you enjoy enemies to lovers, fish out of water, forced proximity, medium burn, grumpy/sunshine, personal growth, praise, a sprinkle of humor, and/or scorching heat levels, this one’s for you!
Publisher’s While there’s a guaranteed HEA, this book includes potentially triggering themes. Please look inside for a full list. For mature readers only.
In my case, it was yes to all of the above. So when I saw the ad promising to fulfill my biggest wish, I chugged the rest of my wine… and said the I deserve happiness. Love. Belonging.
I should’ve read the fine print.
Now I’m in another world, filled with Fae folk. There are witches, minotaurs, and trolls. The dark elf king has put a bounty on my head. And the only protector I have is a huge, grumpy orc who loathes humankind – including me. But his brusque commands and intense stare make my belly flip and my breath catch. And when he touches me… oh, my heart…
Despite our undeniable chemistry, the orc is determined to help me get home. Problem is, I’m not sure I want to go.
I kinda want to stay here…
With him.
This is the first in a steamy romantasy series where each book features a different dominant monster hero falling in love. If you enjoy enemies to lovers, fish out of water, forced proximity, medium burn, grumpy/sunshine, personal growth, praise, a sprinkle of humor, and/or scorching heat levels, this one’s for you!
Publisher’s While there’s a guaranteed HEA, this book includes potentially triggering themes. Please look inside for a full list. For mature readers only.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 9, 2023
99 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Tabitha Black
35 books250 followersUSA Today bestselling author Tabitha Black has been writing erotic spanking fiction for over a decade, mostly in the age-play and historical genres. More recently, she's discovered the joys of writing more contemporary, edgier books with a greater emphasis on BDSM – one of which, Sharing Silver, has been nominated for a Golden Flogger award and won the Spanking Romance Reviews award for best ménage 2015.
Having lived in four countries on three different continents, and been an active participant in her local kinky communities, she likes to "write to discover what she knows". Her own personal kinks include anything and everything to do with spanking, fireplay, edge play, scarification, age-play, and too many more to count. Some girls like wood, some adore leather, but Tabitha is partial to big, shiny, ornate knives… nothing else makes her quite as weak at the knees.
She lives in Europe with her Daddy/Sir, and a lilac cat who likes to sneeze in her face. She has a weakness for great cappuccino; strong, dominant, kind but brutally sadistic men (and counts herself amazingly lucky to have found one in real life); brilliant books, and tattoos.
Tabitha loves getting mail, so if you want to drop her a line, please do so at tabitha_black@hotmail.com. You can also check out her blog here, follow her on Twitter @BlushingTabitha, Instagram, or join her Facebook page. Thank you for reading!
Having lived in four countries on three different continents, and been an active participant in her local kinky communities, she likes to "write to discover what she knows". Her own personal kinks include anything and everything to do with spanking, fireplay, edge play, scarification, age-play, and too many more to count. Some girls like wood, some adore leather, but Tabitha is partial to big, shiny, ornate knives… nothing else makes her quite as weak at the knees.
She lives in Europe with her Daddy/Sir, and a lilac cat who likes to sneeze in her face. She has a weakness for great cappuccino; strong, dominant, kind but brutally sadistic men (and counts herself amazingly lucky to have found one in real life); brilliant books, and tattoos.
Tabitha loves getting mail, so if you want to drop her a line, please do so at tabitha_black@hotmail.com. You can also check out her blog here, follow her on Twitter @BlushingTabitha, Instagram, or join her Facebook page. Thank you for reading!
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February 16, 2025I’m sitting on this review, parts were well done but the relationship ultimately fell flat for me, leaving me not believing in their expressed deeper feelings. I also struggled with the sometimes clinical way of discussing mental health, the transitions to sex scenes, how the BDSM was incorporated (including light degradation), and the grovel.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced but both have been celibate for a while.
Written in first person, dual POV. No ow/om drama and both are experienced but both have been celibate for a while.
August 26, 2023
Enticed by the Orc by Tabitha Black
Monsters with Benefits book #1. Paranormal erotica romance. Trigger warnings, previous mental abuse. BDSM mentions. Alternating POV.
Ariel has moved in with a friend after leaving a mentally abusive boyfriend. She’s recovering by working through therapy when an advertisement pops up on her computer. “Are you feeling lost? Lonely? Disenchanted?” Ariel follows the link, agrees to the terms, and speaks the token “spell” that’s she’s sent. She wakes up in the fae world with a bounty on her head and creatures she’s never seen before. She gets protection from Orakh, an Orc who agrees to take her to the king. Their travels together teach them their differences aren’t as vast as expected. I’m fact, they have a lot in common. Ariel moves from burden for Orakh, to curious attraction to lusty lover.
Monster porn is the simplest description. Learning to love self.
Of course, there are stumbles and heroes and second chances. Ultimately love regardless of race, color or species.
Monsters with Benefits book #1. Paranormal erotica romance. Trigger warnings, previous mental abuse. BDSM mentions. Alternating POV.
Ariel has moved in with a friend after leaving a mentally abusive boyfriend. She’s recovering by working through therapy when an advertisement pops up on her computer. “Are you feeling lost? Lonely? Disenchanted?” Ariel follows the link, agrees to the terms, and speaks the token “spell” that’s she’s sent. She wakes up in the fae world with a bounty on her head and creatures she’s never seen before. She gets protection from Orakh, an Orc who agrees to take her to the king. Their travels together teach them their differences aren’t as vast as expected. I’m fact, they have a lot in common. Ariel moves from burden for Orakh, to curious attraction to lusty lover.
Monster porn is the simplest description. Learning to love self.
Of course, there are stumbles and heroes and second chances. Ultimately love regardless of race, color or species.
December 28, 2023
This is gonna be long...
I finished the book a couple days ago, but waited to review it. It felt like a puzzle that had all the pieces to make it work, but none of them fit together. Trying not to spoil the book’s plot or the major events is gonna be hard, however, that’s what I’m going to attempt to do. My review might have slight spoilers so I can convey what worked and what simply didn’t for me. I will do my best to warn anyone reading this of when we enter spoiler territory.
First I want to give some kudos where they are deserved. The idea is really cool and unique. There are characters: like Aunt Bren and Frangi that are interesting and serve to give information. Especially Aunt Bren, who was full of wisdom and I enjoyed our time spent with her. Frangi was a fun pop in character that seemed like an annoying little sister in the best of ways. She added a bit of lightness to the story. There was also Darad, whom we met briefly (too briefly) but seriously intrigued me. (I’m anxiously optimistic about his book) The leopora was a cool creature- one that seemed to be kitten/dragon/bird and who Ariel (the main female) tamed quickly. As an animal lover, I would totally die trying to tame one too.
The plot itself had some interesting points. Racism and prejudice (in this case against a certain species) filtered throughout the book and forced some characters to face how they viewed others. In that respect, I enjoyed it. I’m always pleased when deep ideas get sprinkled into what most would consider a book that wouldn’t even try.
This unfortunately was also where the downfall started for me. Let’s start with Ariel- she’s a mess. At times she seemed like a young teenager without a brain and other times she was really deep and self aware. But by the end, I still couldn’t tell you much about her. Other than the beginning where she revealed that she has been to therapy (a thing she does A LOT) and that she didn’t have a great home life, she wasn’t very flushed out. Days later all I can remember about her was that she has some sexual proclivities that some would find extreme. That does not a character make. Because so much was left out of her development, the end for me didn’t have the necessary punch needed, but I’ll get to that later. While reading, I did see some potential in Ariel that kept me from DNFing the book.
That leads us to Orkah. The male lead was… another empty shell. The start of a great dark, brooding, grumpy gus of an Orc was there. I was actually pretty hopeful at the start, but it fell off the cliff. He called the main female, what I can only take as (by how it’s decried by Aunt Bren and how it’s used later) racial slurs. He only stopped when Aunt Bren admonished him and even then he still thought them. The main attribute of the male Orc is that they protect women (it’s gallantry), but it never felt gallant. His vendetta against another male never felt important. He talked about it and it became a huge point later, but because there was nothing for the reader to latch onto (no memories shared, no great emotional talk about how he felt and why he wanted revenge -beyond “this happened and now his blood must cover my blade”), so I just didn’t care. There would have been so many ways to make that weighted topic mean something, especially in a 200 plus page book, yet it never happened.
That leads us to the biggest issues I had. 1: The plot moves slowly while trying to be a fast paced book. I found myself being disengaged and skimming until something interested me. It was only at the 56% (yes I know that is specific but I was watching the percentage a great deal) mark that it felt like we were getting somewhere. 2: The spice of the book was nice but at the same time, extremely rushed. In this case the book went from 0 to kink in 60 seconds flat. I have no issues with revving up the heat, but the way it happened was the problem. At no point did I feel like there was tension or desire beyond the “he’s hot and big, she’s sexy” moments. 3: The emotional punch at the end was flat because there wasn’t enough build-up of the characters. I just didn’t care, which is the one thing you don’t want a reader to feel. Hating a scene or loving one is all passionate responses. Not caring is indifference. By the time I finished the book, I still didn’t know the characters. I didn’t feel like they fit together. The puzzle remained broken.
Having said all this: I did purchase the second book. I feel there was potential and I liked the main male protagonist when he appeared in this book. So fingers crossed.
I finished the book a couple days ago, but waited to review it. It felt like a puzzle that had all the pieces to make it work, but none of them fit together. Trying not to spoil the book’s plot or the major events is gonna be hard, however, that’s what I’m going to attempt to do. My review might have slight spoilers so I can convey what worked and what simply didn’t for me. I will do my best to warn anyone reading this of when we enter spoiler territory.
First I want to give some kudos where they are deserved. The idea is really cool and unique. There are characters: like Aunt Bren and Frangi that are interesting and serve to give information. Especially Aunt Bren, who was full of wisdom and I enjoyed our time spent with her. Frangi was a fun pop in character that seemed like an annoying little sister in the best of ways. She added a bit of lightness to the story. There was also Darad, whom we met briefly (too briefly) but seriously intrigued me. (I’m anxiously optimistic about his book) The leopora was a cool creature- one that seemed to be kitten/dragon/bird and who Ariel (the main female) tamed quickly. As an animal lover, I would totally die trying to tame one too.
The plot itself had some interesting points. Racism and prejudice (in this case against a certain species) filtered throughout the book and forced some characters to face how they viewed others. In that respect, I enjoyed it. I’m always pleased when deep ideas get sprinkled into what most would consider a book that wouldn’t even try.
This unfortunately was also where the downfall started for me. Let’s start with Ariel- she’s a mess. At times she seemed like a young teenager without a brain and other times she was really deep and self aware. But by the end, I still couldn’t tell you much about her. Other than the beginning where she revealed that she has been to therapy (a thing she does A LOT) and that she didn’t have a great home life, she wasn’t very flushed out. Days later all I can remember about her was that she has some sexual proclivities that some would find extreme. That does not a character make. Because so much was left out of her development, the end for me didn’t have the necessary punch needed, but I’ll get to that later. While reading, I did see some potential in Ariel that kept me from DNFing the book.
That leads us to Orkah. The male lead was… another empty shell. The start of a great dark, brooding, grumpy gus of an Orc was there. I was actually pretty hopeful at the start, but it fell off the cliff. He called the main female, what I can only take as (by how it’s decried by Aunt Bren and how it’s used later) racial slurs. He only stopped when Aunt Bren admonished him and even then he still thought them. The main attribute of the male Orc is that they protect women (it’s gallantry), but it never felt gallant. His vendetta against another male never felt important. He talked about it and it became a huge point later, but because there was nothing for the reader to latch onto (no memories shared, no great emotional talk about how he felt and why he wanted revenge -beyond “this happened and now his blood must cover my blade”), so I just didn’t care. There would have been so many ways to make that weighted topic mean something, especially in a 200 plus page book, yet it never happened.
That leads us to the biggest issues I had. 1: The plot moves slowly while trying to be a fast paced book. I found myself being disengaged and skimming until something interested me. It was only at the 56% (yes I know that is specific but I was watching the percentage a great deal) mark that it felt like we were getting somewhere. 2: The spice of the book was nice but at the same time, extremely rushed. In this case the book went from 0 to kink in 60 seconds flat. I have no issues with revving up the heat, but the way it happened was the problem. At no point did I feel like there was tension or desire beyond the “he’s hot and big, she’s sexy” moments. 3: The emotional punch at the end was flat because there wasn’t enough build-up of the characters. I just didn’t care, which is the one thing you don’t want a reader to feel. Hating a scene or loving one is all passionate responses. Not caring is indifference. By the time I finished the book, I still didn’t know the characters. I didn’t feel like they fit together. The puzzle remained broken.
Having said all this: I did purchase the second book. I feel there was potential and I liked the main male protagonist when he appeared in this book. So fingers crossed.
July 8, 2023
This was phenomenal. Ariel has been through it. She has survived an abusive relationship with a narcissist and as a survivor myself I really appreciated how well the topic seemed to have been researched and how dealing with the emotional fallout was represented. Through it all she's gained back her sunshine and slowly getting back pieces of herself. During an evening of particular desperation she clicks on an ad she believes to be for a dating site she recites a mantra the ad gives her and is thrust into the world of the fae. She meets our super grumpy Orakh and he has to take her to the king of the realm. During this time of forced proximity she explains what bdsm is after accidentally calling him "sir" and we find out he naturally fits the role of a dom with a an absolutely filthy mouth. Love that journey for you sis. While she's navigating through her feelings of trying to separate love bombing and genuine expressions of affection, he's sorting through his own previous prejudice towards humans and realizes he wants her to stay. This book was extremely heartwarming and I have read so much by Tabitha Black and I am happy to say I still have not found a book by her that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Her writing and take on things is so light and easy to follow in the best of ways and tackles heavy subjects with light hearted ease while taking it all seriously. I can't wait for the next in the series and I hope this couple gets another book too
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
2.5, round up
This started out really well. Throughout, I appreciated the DV rep and the way that the author handled a woman leaving an abusive relationship with a narcissist. Plus, the heroine had some characteristics you don't too often see in romance characters (having gotten a boob job, for example), which was fun.
Unfortunately, the whole thing fell apart pretty quickly. It became predictable and dull. The transition from barely tolerating each other to falling in bed and love was too abrupt and without any reasoning behind it. Just one minute, they dislike one another; the next, they can't keep their hands off one another.
I had two main issues that kept me from liking the book, though. One, Orakh (yeah, the orc is basically named Orc), never solidified himself as a male lead worth my time. He was dismissive of her (and just about anything feminine) from the start and then abandoned her in her time of need. Second, the kink felt unbelievably out of place. I know BDSM was all the rage for a while, and some authors try to write for the market. But to say it didn't fit in this story would be a vast understatement.
All in all, I'm just glad to have finished it, which is a shame because it started out well.
This started out really well. Throughout, I appreciated the DV rep and the way that the author handled a woman leaving an abusive relationship with a narcissist. Plus, the heroine had some characteristics you don't too often see in romance characters (having gotten a boob job, for example), which was fun.
Unfortunately, the whole thing fell apart pretty quickly. It became predictable and dull. The transition from barely tolerating each other to falling in bed and love was too abrupt and without any reasoning behind it. Just one minute, they dislike one another; the next, they can't keep their hands off one another.
I had two main issues that kept me from liking the book, though. One, Orakh (yeah, the orc is basically named Orc), never solidified himself as a male lead worth my time. He was dismissive of her (and just about anything feminine) from the start and then abandoned her in her time of need. Second, the kink felt unbelievably out of place. I know BDSM was all the rage for a while, and some authors try to write for the market. But to say it didn't fit in this story would be a vast understatement.
All in all, I'm just glad to have finished it, which is a shame because it started out well.
July 15, 2023
Summary
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️3/5
Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Fluff rating: 💖💖 2.5/5
I recently met the author at a book signing event and she was lovely and very kindly gifted me a copy of this book. She is a new to me author, having not read her work before.
So I decided on 3/5 ⭐️ for this book but it is by no means a negative review. I still enjoyed it. It was fun, lighthearted and cozy with a heap of spice and gave me ice planet barbarian vibes. Unwitting human ending up in a fantasy realm. Resentful allies to lovers. A damaged but strong heroin.
That being said I couldn’t really give it more than 3 stars. It was quite short, only about 200 pages so there was a distinct lack of world building which I find really important in fantasy books. The romantic burn also felt too fast for my taste and a bit insta lovey (literally knew each other for days before being in love).
It was well written structurally and flowed well and I really liked the very accurate representation of NPD and the effects it has on others.
Overall it was very simple but enjoyable.
Overall rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️3/5
Spicy rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3/5
Fluff rating: 💖💖 2.5/5
I recently met the author at a book signing event and she was lovely and very kindly gifted me a copy of this book. She is a new to me author, having not read her work before.
So I decided on 3/5 ⭐️ for this book but it is by no means a negative review. I still enjoyed it. It was fun, lighthearted and cozy with a heap of spice and gave me ice planet barbarian vibes. Unwitting human ending up in a fantasy realm. Resentful allies to lovers. A damaged but strong heroin.
That being said I couldn’t really give it more than 3 stars. It was quite short, only about 200 pages so there was a distinct lack of world building which I find really important in fantasy books. The romantic burn also felt too fast for my taste and a bit insta lovey (literally knew each other for days before being in love).
It was well written structurally and flowed well and I really liked the very accurate representation of NPD and the effects it has on others.
Overall it was very simple but enjoyable.
March 3, 2025
I liked it, its my first book from tabitha. Thr concept was great, the characters personalities were great. I just didnt find it believeable that after all the therapy she had gone through she would fall in love after 2 days, he barely asked about her life, about her past. Didnt pay her any attention didnt get to know her likes besides sexually. I would say she sounded dickmatized to me. It goes for orakh too, he fell in love after 2 days with a girl he found so annoying? And hated her species and realized it after she confessed her feelings? That was the only part that really got me. Im gonna read the second book now and hope the love development is abit better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2023
This was phenomenal. Ariel has been through it. She has survived an abusive relationship with a narcissist and as a survivor myself I really appreciated how well the topic seemed to have been researched and how dealing with the emotional fallout was represented. Through it all she's gained back her sunshine and slowly getting back pieces of herself. During an evening of particular desperation she clicks on an ad she believes to be for a dating site she recites a mantra the ad gives her and is thrust into the world of the fae. She meets our super grumpy Orakh and he has to take her to the king of the realm. During this time of forced proximity she explains what bdsm is after accidentally calling him "sir" and we find out he naturally fits the role of a dom with a an absolutely filthy mouth. Love that journey for you sis. While she's navigating through her feelings of trying to separate love bombing and genuine expressions of affection, he's sorting through his own previous prejudice towards humans and realizes he wants her to stay. This book was extremely heartwarming and I have read so much by Tabitha Black and I am happy to say I still have not found a book by her that I haven't thoroughly enjoyed. Her writing and take on things is so light and easy to follow in the best of ways and tackles heavy subjects with light hearted ease while taking it all seriously. I can't wait for the next in the series and I hope this couple gets another book too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2024
Started out really interesting. But I kind of lost interest.
July 11, 2023
Always make sure to read all the terms and conditions. Otherwise, you never know what happens next.
This is a fabulous, cute, spicy read with Ariel and Orakh, I love the new land of Pandemon with the new creatures (I want to pet Mittens), rules, magic, and political going-ons.
There's lots of talk about mental health, consent, relationships (healthy and unhealthy), sexual kinks, motivations, self-expression, and self-worth.
4.5 out of 5 stars, and 3.5 out of 5 🌶 spice level. Highly recommend for those who like a little bit of a monster romance.
This is a fabulous, cute, spicy read with Ariel and Orakh, I love the new land of Pandemon with the new creatures (I want to pet Mittens), rules, magic, and political going-ons.
There's lots of talk about mental health, consent, relationships (healthy and unhealthy), sexual kinks, motivations, self-expression, and self-worth.
4.5 out of 5 stars, and 3.5 out of 5 🌶 spice level. Highly recommend for those who like a little bit of a monster romance.
May 2, 2025
DNF around 55% finished. I wanted to like it, I was interested in the story line, but the smut was not good in my opinion. also, this is a stupid reason to dnf but I couldn't stand the fake cuss word the mmc kept saying !! two stars simply because I was actually interested in the plot before I dnfed.
July 9, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. I loved the twist of Ariel ending up in a strange world and Orakh was such an interesting guy/orc. Great interplay between them both and lots of background to hook you for more stories from this world.
July 9, 2023
Not my usual trope but a very good book
Definitely worth a read 🤪
Definitely worth a read 🤪
July 20, 2023
This was an enjoyable read and I loved the main character who had me in stitches with there bantering and how two people from different worlds who are trying to get along with the burning chemistry between them growing stronger everyday. Ariel is a human that’s just gotten out of an abusive relationship with a narcissist man and is finally getting her life back when she see’s an ad on the computer and clicks on it and has now been transported to a world of Fae. And now there is a huge grumpy Orc named Orakh whom doesn’t really like anybody that is taking me to the King as it’s his duty. Orakh has found the human female and is bound by duty to take her to the King but he doesn’t have to like it but now along the way on there trip to Palace the female named Ariel calls him Sir and he likes it very much and she tells him of a lifestyle of BDSM ans this has him very intrigued in the female and wants to more about her. Ariel is with Orakh who is taking her to the Palace and the trip is a long one and when I call him Sir by mistake this makes him very excited and he wants to learn more so I tell him about BDSM and it’s lifestyle and it’s at this time that a relationship beings between them and it’s hot and steamy. There is so much more going on inside this book like can Orakh and Ariel give each other up in the end or can they have a future together but what will the King think about it. Great book
July 11, 2023
I was lucky enough to meet the author at a recent event and decided to give Enticed by the Orc a go. Tabitha Black is a new to me author and she had me from the dedication at the start:
"For anyone who’s ever let some asshole determine their self-worth… here’s a reminder that you deserve better. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are magical."
This book is a fun easy read set in a parallel world to Earth. There is a connection between the magical world and Earth via a sealed portal. However, Ariel manages to click on an otherworldly internet pop up that transports her into a world of fae, witches, strange and dangerous creatures and a big grumpy (protective) orc called Orakh.
It is worth reading the TW as the author deals with past abuse and control with detail, accuracy and sensitivity. This book is one womans journey of healing and understanding. She escapes her situation of abuse and is working on being her own, strong self again. This is a journey of finding new love and compromise.
A fun and spicy monster read filled with world building and potential hints at stories to come.
"For anyone who’s ever let some asshole determine their self-worth… here’s a reminder that you deserve better. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are magical."
This book is a fun easy read set in a parallel world to Earth. There is a connection between the magical world and Earth via a sealed portal. However, Ariel manages to click on an otherworldly internet pop up that transports her into a world of fae, witches, strange and dangerous creatures and a big grumpy (protective) orc called Orakh.
It is worth reading the TW as the author deals with past abuse and control with detail, accuracy and sensitivity. This book is one womans journey of healing and understanding. She escapes her situation of abuse and is working on being her own, strong self again. This is a journey of finding new love and compromise.
A fun and spicy monster read filled with world building and potential hints at stories to come.
October 27, 2024
2.5 stars
A fast paced and quick read. It touched on some serious topics, including emotional abuse and the results of this were evident in how Ariel responds to most of the situations in this story. Although it felt more like a plot point to make the character more interesting than being an important event in the characters life. Because of this Ariel felt so mismatched, she was sometimes really self-aware and observant and other times just really emotional and naive. This also made her interactions with Orkah confusing as they varied from one extreme to another.
It moved along without much depth, honestly not a lot happened when I really think about it (besides lots of sex) and because of the quick changes in their feelings and relationships I was less invested in what was going on and so wasn't punched by the change of heart and the proof of feelings.
Saying that, it was an easy read and was generally enjoyable with an interesting cast of characters, I just think it could have been fleshed out a bit more.
A fast paced and quick read. It touched on some serious topics, including emotional abuse and the results of this were evident in how Ariel responds to most of the situations in this story. Although it felt more like a plot point to make the character more interesting than being an important event in the characters life. Because of this Ariel felt so mismatched, she was sometimes really self-aware and observant and other times just really emotional and naive. This also made her interactions with Orkah confusing as they varied from one extreme to another.
It moved along without much depth, honestly not a lot happened when I really think about it (besides lots of sex) and because of the quick changes in their feelings and relationships I was less invested in what was going on and so wasn't punched by the change of heart and the proof of feelings.
Saying that, it was an easy read and was generally enjoyable with an interesting cast of characters, I just think it could have been fleshed out a bit more.
July 16, 2023
This was a book I didn't realise how much I needed!
Ariel is struggling with life after getting out of a toxic relationship, and so clicks on an internet ad promising to fulfill her wishes - not expecting to wake up in a fantasy world with fairies, witches, trolls and minotaurs. Plus a very grumpy orc who reluctantly agrees to help her get back home.
We have some beautiful forced proximity as they travel together, and I love the way the chemistry between Ariel and Orakh develops.
Both characters have development arcs, but I particularly liked Ariel's as she worked to regain her trust in herself and what she wanted.
Oh, and this book is super spicy, including BDSM. I loved that they actually addressed the size difference issue too!
Please check triggers before reading this one, because of what Ariel has been through.
This was my first book by Tabitha Black and definitely won't be my last.
Ariel is struggling with life after getting out of a toxic relationship, and so clicks on an internet ad promising to fulfill her wishes - not expecting to wake up in a fantasy world with fairies, witches, trolls and minotaurs. Plus a very grumpy orc who reluctantly agrees to help her get back home.
We have some beautiful forced proximity as they travel together, and I love the way the chemistry between Ariel and Orakh develops.
Both characters have development arcs, but I particularly liked Ariel's as she worked to regain her trust in herself and what she wanted.
Oh, and this book is super spicy, including BDSM. I loved that they actually addressed the size difference issue too!
Please check triggers before reading this one, because of what Ariel has been through.
This was my first book by Tabitha Black and definitely won't be my last.
October 14, 2023
fast fun read with damaged characters doing their best
This was a fun fast read. The characters had their baggage and it made their interactions more complicated but very realistic and relatable. The heroine is recovering from narcissistic personality emotional abuse. She is actively trying to get better but there are hiccups and slides that make her progress difficult. But the fact that she keeps pushing onward makes you root for her. It also makes it realistic. Scars don’t disappear. Wounds can reopen. This element is well portrayed and I think it gives hope to people who are working through emotional abuse.
There is underlying humor and hope that things will get better. The romance arc was well developed and it felt very natural. There is some spanking and submission but it is all consensual. The sex scenes were very spicy and added to the developing relationship. I’m definitely reading more in this series!
This was a fun fast read. The characters had their baggage and it made their interactions more complicated but very realistic and relatable. The heroine is recovering from narcissistic personality emotional abuse. She is actively trying to get better but there are hiccups and slides that make her progress difficult. But the fact that she keeps pushing onward makes you root for her. It also makes it realistic. Scars don’t disappear. Wounds can reopen. This element is well portrayed and I think it gives hope to people who are working through emotional abuse.
There is underlying humor and hope that things will get better. The romance arc was well developed and it felt very natural. There is some spanking and submission but it is all consensual. The sex scenes were very spicy and added to the developing relationship. I’m definitely reading more in this series!
July 11, 2023
If Romancing the Stone had Orcs, murder kitties with wings and magic.
This book does touch on a few dark things so please do read the content warnings. However it’s not the main focus of the book.
Ariel is 100% a brat and we love her for it. Recently out of an abused relationship and feeling down, with the courage and stupidity of a bottle of wine she magically teleports herself to the fae world.
There she meets Orakh a grumpy but galant Orc who doesn’t care for humans but learns to love one specific one.
This book is so good. If you love slightly whimsical humor with a touch of grumpy love interest this book is for you.
The sex scenes are spicy with a touch of bdsm. I’m interested to see where the next book takes us. 😍
This book does touch on a few dark things so please do read the content warnings. However it’s not the main focus of the book.
Ariel is 100% a brat and we love her for it. Recently out of an abused relationship and feeling down, with the courage and stupidity of a bottle of wine she magically teleports herself to the fae world.
There she meets Orakh a grumpy but galant Orc who doesn’t care for humans but learns to love one specific one.
This book is so good. If you love slightly whimsical humor with a touch of grumpy love interest this book is for you.
The sex scenes are spicy with a touch of bdsm. I’m interested to see where the next book takes us. 😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2023
Tabitha Black is a new to me author, so this being my first read from her, means I went into it blind. AND I LOVED IT!!!
I fell hard and fast, starting from the dedication :
"For anyone who’s ever let some asshole determine their self-worth… here’s a reminder that you deserve better. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are magical."
I'll keep this spoiler free because it's a joy to see the character development and the story unfold. Ariel finds herself in a whole new world, in a journey of self discovery, courage, and maybe...love..
Orakh never expected to meet a human female in his realm, but as the days go by, he's more and more reluctant about seeing her go..
Sweet, fun and oh so HOT, Ariel & Orakh's story is now one of my favorite books.
🖤 Yummy spice
💚 Grumpy&Hot Orc
💜 Lovely&Strong heroine
🩵 Funny&Interesting side characters
Looking forward to more books from Tabitha!
Potential triggers:
Mentions of past emotional abuse; trauma; loss of a sibling; panic attacks; narcissistic abuse. This book also contains explicit descriptions of consensual kink, pain as pleasure, and maledom dirty talk (and praise).
I fell hard and fast, starting from the dedication :
"For anyone who’s ever let some asshole determine their self-worth… here’s a reminder that you deserve better. You are strong. You are beautiful. You are magical."
I'll keep this spoiler free because it's a joy to see the character development and the story unfold. Ariel finds herself in a whole new world, in a journey of self discovery, courage, and maybe...love..
Orakh never expected to meet a human female in his realm, but as the days go by, he's more and more reluctant about seeing her go..
Sweet, fun and oh so HOT, Ariel & Orakh's story is now one of my favorite books.
🖤 Yummy spice
💚 Grumpy&Hot Orc
💜 Lovely&Strong heroine
🩵 Funny&Interesting side characters
Looking forward to more books from Tabitha!
Potential triggers:
Mentions of past emotional abuse; trauma; loss of a sibling; panic attacks; narcissistic abuse. This book also contains explicit descriptions of consensual kink, pain as pleasure, and maledom dirty talk (and praise).
July 14, 2023
This was my first book by Tabitha Black and I was gifted it as an ARC but my review is honest.
I really enjoyed the romp through a new world, magical forests, plenty of fantastical beasts and even the taming of a highly deadly creature (a trope I will happily read in every fantasy)
It’s forced proximity as the human female finds herself in this new world and needing protection - and as an Orc the MMC feels obliged to help her, it’s his nature and he found her first!
The chemistry build up is just the right length and when the spice kicks in it goes from 0-100.
There are darker elements to this, the FMC is dealing with past trauma from an abusive relationship. So sensitive readers be warned.
Overall a fun, quick and entertaining read I really enjoyed, will be checking out more Tabitha Black
I really enjoyed the romp through a new world, magical forests, plenty of fantastical beasts and even the taming of a highly deadly creature (a trope I will happily read in every fantasy)
It’s forced proximity as the human female finds herself in this new world and needing protection - and as an Orc the MMC feels obliged to help her, it’s his nature and he found her first!
The chemistry build up is just the right length and when the spice kicks in it goes from 0-100.
There are darker elements to this, the FMC is dealing with past trauma from an abusive relationship. So sensitive readers be warned.
Overall a fun, quick and entertaining read I really enjoyed, will be checking out more Tabitha Black
July 19, 2023
I loved this book. I am new to Tabitha’s books and this is my first time reading about the world of Orcs I was kindly gifted this book as an arc. I do read a lot of fantasy books and this world that Tabitha created was amazing. I loved this books as there so much detail in this book about the world that Ariel was transported too. I love the characters Ariel was my favourite of them all. She is transported in to a magical land and the journey through it is full of discovery. You eventually love Orakh too as he develops as a character from being grumpy to someone who’s in love.I could not put the book down. Highly recommend
Thank you for your review.
Thank you for your review.
July 23, 2023
*Received this as an ARC.
I am a big fan of fantasy romances, and definitely thoroughly enjoy a good monster romance. And, if you’re looking for something that’s nice and spicy, but still with some lovely development of the MC’s, this is the book for you.
The very start of the book can be a little rough, depending on your triggers, but it doesn’t last too long before you get transported to the magical realm of Pandemon alongside Ariel to meet (and fall in love with) Orakh.
The author did a great job in building the world, and introducing some great side characters, and setting up for the sequel to this book - I’m so looking forward to the second book in this series.
I am a big fan of fantasy romances, and definitely thoroughly enjoy a good monster romance. And, if you’re looking for something that’s nice and spicy, but still with some lovely development of the MC’s, this is the book for you.
The very start of the book can be a little rough, depending on your triggers, but it doesn’t last too long before you get transported to the magical realm of Pandemon alongside Ariel to meet (and fall in love with) Orakh.
The author did a great job in building the world, and introducing some great side characters, and setting up for the sequel to this book - I’m so looking forward to the second book in this series.
July 17, 2023
Steamy Orc Adventure!!
Ariel is getting out of a relationship ruled by narcissistic personality disorder; very dangerous. She was isolated from all friends and family, and feels she needs a reset. A message promising just that sends her to another world. Where an orc who hates humans, agrees to take her to the King. He may be able to get Ariel back where she belongs.
An interesting journey. New creatures and dangers.
Some forced proximity leads to the building of a relationship. A fun, steamy adventure.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Ariel is getting out of a relationship ruled by narcissistic personality disorder; very dangerous. She was isolated from all friends and family, and feels she needs a reset. A message promising just that sends her to another world. Where an orc who hates humans, agrees to take her to the King. He may be able to get Ariel back where she belongs.
An interesting journey. New creatures and dangers.
Some forced proximity leads to the building of a relationship. A fun, steamy adventure.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
July 19, 2023
Cute, fun, and with a cosy feel.
It's not too indepth. It's definitely a good fluffy palate cleanser, so dont expect an epic plot. That being said, it does deal with past trauma, which the FMC has experienced and is getting over, so do keep that in mind. But overall, I still found it light and heartwarming throughout. And let's face it, I'm always easily sold on a grumpy moody orc.
💚 Quick, easy read
💚 Monster fantasy portal romance
💚 Enemies to lovers
💚 Size difference
💚 Standalone
💚 Grumpy orc
💚 Spicy
🔞 18+ read. Detailed content warning can be found at the beginning of the book.
It's not too indepth. It's definitely a good fluffy palate cleanser, so dont expect an epic plot. That being said, it does deal with past trauma, which the FMC has experienced and is getting over, so do keep that in mind. But overall, I still found it light and heartwarming throughout. And let's face it, I'm always easily sold on a grumpy moody orc.
💚 Quick, easy read
💚 Monster fantasy portal romance
💚 Enemies to lovers
💚 Size difference
💚 Standalone
💚 Grumpy orc
💚 Spicy
🔞 18+ read. Detailed content warning can be found at the beginning of the book.
January 13, 2024
A fun, quick read. The story feels a bit underdeveloped, especially at the end. The MMC looses a bit of the MC/grumpy energy in the latter quarter of the book, which was disappointing because he was a lot of fun. There are also several sections where the author “lectures” about some issue, usually through the FMC’s flashbacks to convos with her therapist. Hopefully that reaches anyone out there who needs it. I, personally, skipped them and didn’t think the story was missing much, especially since these flashbacks were rarely plot relevant.
August 14, 2023
This is my first time reviewing works by Tabitha Black. Enticed by the Orc is such a fantastic book that I had to write a review. The story follows Ariel, an abusive survivor and Orakh, a grumpy orc. I truly enjoyed this forced proximity of undeniably hot spicy steamy chemistry between these two. The story is wonderfully written with lots of detail and pulls you into this world. I look forward to reading more and I highly recommend this book.
July 3, 2023
A sweet and steamy fairytale with mentions of trauma and abuse but a love story with some real hot scenes (Orakh has a peen so big that Ariel needs magic help ).
I enjoyed a lot this story, the author new how create a fantastic world of fantasy ,a sweet love story, touched some sensitive maters without prejudice to the story, and can't forget how hot are the steamy scenes. I recomend!
I enjoyed a lot this story, the author new how create a fantastic world of fantasy ,a sweet love story, touched some sensitive maters without prejudice to the story, and can't forget how hot are the steamy scenes. I recomend!
October 30, 2023
cute HEA
This is an unusual romance. Ariel is deeply unhappy having split from her emotionally abusive boyfriend. .she is trying to overcome her past and truly wants a new start. Little does she know that an annoying pop up ad on her computer will lead her to healing and meeting the one male who will be able to help her.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
This is an unusual romance. Ariel is deeply unhappy having split from her emotionally abusive boyfriend. .she is trying to overcome her past and truly wants a new start. Little does she know that an annoying pop up ad on her computer will lead her to healing and meeting the one male who will be able to help her.
I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 5, 2023
I was lucky enough to arc for this book and what a delight it was. Such a sweet story with amazing world building, I can't wait for more from this series. I found the fmc so relatable making it easy to lose myself in the plot. And the spice was 😘 !
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