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Can a lonely widow and an orc with secrets find true love together?

After losing my husband to an illness, my village pushes me to the front of the monster mate hunt line. To protect those I grew up with, I’ll do my duty, but I’ve vowed I’ll never love another.

Then I’m claimed in the hunt by Madr, a strong, handsome orc who I swear is hiding secrets. On his dragon-like vox, he flies me toward his home in the orc kingdom. His warm arms keeping me safe and his teasing touch make me reconsider my vow. He makes me laugh and for the first time, I begin to question every assumption I’ve made about both my past and future.

But someone’s determined to drive us apart, and they’ll stop at nothing to fulfill their goal. Will Madr and I find a way to be together, or will the villain succeed in ripping us apart forever?

Orc’s Fate is Book 2 in the Monster Mate Hunt Series. Expect a seductive orc prince with a creative. . . (cough), size difference, her awakening, only one bed/forced proximity, a mourning woman finding new love, fated mates, plus a fantasy world you'll want to live in. HEA guaranteed. Each book is standalone but the series is more fun if read in order.

Books in Order:
Orc’s Mate
(a prequel novel)

Orc’s Craving
Orc’s Fate
Orc’s Maiden
Orc’s Captive
Orc’s Taming

326 pages, ebook

Published January 15, 2024

231 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

About the author

Ava Ross

163 books763 followers
AVA ROSS fell for men with unusual features when she first watched Star Wars, where alien creatures have gone mainstream. She lives in New England with her husband (who is sadly not an alien, though he is still cute in his own way), her kids, and assorted pets, including a yorkie pup and three cats.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Profile Image for Ꮗ€♫◗☿ ❤️ ilikebooksbest.com ❤️.
2,945 reviews2,673 followers
April 22, 2025
An adventure with an Orc!



The following ratings are out of 5:
Romance: 💜🩷💙💚
Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘
World building: 🌏🌍🌎🌎
Character development: ☹️😍😋😤
Narration: 🎙🎙🎙🎙🎙
Narration Type: Dual Narration

The heroine: Lyneth - she is the younger sister of Rhoslyn from the first book in this series. Each year for the past 11, her village sends two women into the forest to be claimed by Orcs, in return for the Orc’s protection against the shades which would kill them. Lyneth is a widow, and it wasn’t her choice to be in the mate hunt, she was pushed into it. Her husband didn’t have much, and she was left with nothing, since women can’t own property. Her friend Kale wants her to try to get out of it, if possible, he thinks it is the worst thing in the world for a woman to be rutted by an Orc, though Lyneth thinks one male rutting her isn’t much different than another, though she is afraid.

The Hero: Madr - he is an Orc, half brother to Jaus from the first book, and he was in line for the throne of the Orc kingdom, but he abdicated. He was going to the mate hunt, though he would be late because his father told him he couldn’t participate, that mating a human female was beneath him, so Madr is going because he wants a mate, and he also wants to show his father that he can’t control him. His brother Jaus had mated a human, and they have a hybrid baby, though his father refuses to claim Jaus as his son.

The Story: Madr didn’t get to the hunt till late, having flown on his dragon-like beast from the mountains where he lived, but as soon as he got near, his clan pendant glowed immediately, so he knew one of the two women was his mate. He needed to get to her and claim her without attracting any shades and before any other Orcs got to her.

Lyneth was running through the forest; she was frightened of the shades since her parents were killed by them when she was thirteen. She knew one was hunting her, so she climbed a tree, just in time as a shade (huge, fanged lizard-like creatures) came beneath her. She hoped to stay in the tree till morning. Though when she turned around, she saw she was surrounded by Orcs. She was almost claimed by a leering one called Riank, but one named Madr whose lumen pendent was blazing with light, said she was his. The two were cousins that hated each other and fought for the right to claim Lyneth. Madr won the battle, but knew his cousin wouldn’t end it there and now that Madr abdicated and his father wouldn’t claim Jaus, that his cousin might someday become king.

Lyneth and Madr ended up being stranded in the forest after Riank sabotaged them by hurting Madr’s flying beast. They got to know each other as mates. I liked the fact that despite being married before, Lyneth was such an innocent. She only knew that wives were supposed to please their husbands not that they could receive pleasure as well. The two of them got to know each other intimately, though Lyneth keeps it a secret that Rhoslyn is her sister and Madr keeps it a secret that he was a prince.

The story really showcases the layered dynamics between Lyneth and Madr, not just as mates but as individuals navigating personal struggles, expectations, and hidden truths. The world-building is gripping, too—the looming threat of the shades, the tense mate hunt, and the Orc clan politics all add to the intensity.

I love how Lyneth’s perspective is shaped by her circumstances. Her view of marriage and pleasure adds an emotional depth that makes her transformation with Madr even more compelling. Madr’s defiance of his father adds another fascinating layer—it's not just about claiming Lyneth, but proving he controls his own fate.

The audiobook is told in two points of view in dual narration. Scarlett Dorian and Stephen Borne narrated this book. Scarlett has a clear and expressive voice and did a terrific job. Stephen had a deep, soft, growly voice that worked well for an Orc and I quite liked his voice and how natural he sounded. The one thing I didn’t like was both of their voices for the opposite sex. I wish more books were done in duet narration where each performer sticks to their respective character’s dialogue—it makes for a more immersive experience

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Profile Image for Courtney.
784 reviews4 followers
March 21, 2024
I really loved Madr & i also really loved the overarching story/trials throughout this book. But good fricken grief - it's SOOOO repetitive. We KNOW L & R are sisters. We KNOW M & J are half brothers. We KNOW the king doesnt recognize J. We KNOW everyone died when the shaydes attacked. We KNOW they planted herbs on the shoreline to kill the sea creatures. It does not need to be repeated like you're reading the information for the first time every other chapter. I literally read the first book before reading the second; as I would assume most others will do too. & the way it danced around L not telling M that R was her sister for so long?? Excruciating. The information didnt even matter so i'm not sure why she wanted to keep that such a secret. Anyway. I REALLY liked a lot about this book, but I also disliked a lot of it.
Profile Image for K Lee.
851 reviews19 followers
August 29, 2024
A lot of this was just...

So first the hunt. The heroine is told here that they didn't specify women when they made the pact with the humans (even though they say all the time it's about procreation at its core so would they not have only wanted females?), and this is the second time we have heard of male pairings being acceptable. However there are zero male pairings shown. In a wold where there's all male orcs and it's accepted in their culture. Okay.

Also, inconsistencies really grate on me.

Like Dakur.

“Sadly, no. And I haven’t had time to go to the hunt for a few years. My father was murdered, leaving me to assume rule of the clan, and there hasn’t been time for a mate yet. I hope to attend the hunt soon, however.”

“I welcome whoever the fates send me, male or female.” “This makes me wonder why it’s always women who must be sent to the hunt. Why not males?” “We didn’t specify in our treaty.”

That's Dakur to the FMC.

“Your clan hasn’t participated in the hunt,” Madr said. Dakur shrugged. “We didn’t enter the treaty with the other clans.” “Why not? It’s a chance to find a mate.” Beneath the table, Madr took my hand and squeezed it. “If my clan didn’t participate, I never would’ve found Lyneth.” “I’d like to think the fates will gift me with a mate whether I participate in a hunt or not,”

So, which is it? Did they not sign the treaty so never go?
Or is it also their treaty and he just hasn't been able to go for a few years?

Also the second book where it's mentioned that same sex pairings would be acceptable (and this orc is at least alluding to bring bisexual) but still not one same sex partnership mentioned.

There is zero reason for all the secrets. Only plot reasons.
Like they use names when referring to everyone else when they speak to each other, but don't use names when talking about his brother's mate. She was taken the year before why wouldn't he mention her just to ask.

And surely she told him her sister's husband died after she met her again. Like, you'd think she would have offered to take her with her. So wouldn't he have even some suspicion?

She overhears a conversation alluding to his heritage but again, zero questions.

There's no reason and it was just frustrating to read.

I feel like the background plot of the book could have been the epilogue of the last one.

But it was fine, I read it and I'll keep going but I might need a break.
Profile Image for Nevena.
917 reviews27 followers
January 7, 2024
💚 “You’re worth the world to me.”
~~~
Lyneth is Rhoslyn’s younger sister. She’s so kind, understanding and compassionate. Even more, Lyneth is brave, strong and doesn’t hesitate to face any challenges thrown her way. And I quite loved her curiosity, determination and fierceness. Lyneth is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!

Madr is the former orc prince, Jaus’ younger half-brother and a spectacular male! He’s huge, green, dangerous and fearsome. But Madr is also so gentle, patient, honorable, caring and fiercely protective. And I really loved his sense of humor. Madr is absolutely swoonworthy and I adored everything about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Lyneth and Madr! Lyneth lost her husband and now is the first woman chosen for the Monster Mate Hunt. And she’s determined to escape her future mate and seek her sister… Until… that mate turns out to be no other than Madr. I loved those two together! I loved Madr’s constant teasing and his banters with Lyneth were so much fun to read. Even more, I loved how the fearsome orc was so patient with his mate, giving her the time to accept him, get to know him and, even, get to know herself and her own desires. Yes, Madr was patient but he definitely used every opportunity to show Lyneth all the pleasures he could give her. And these passionate moments they shared were so hot! Lyneth and Madr were so perfect for each other and I couldn’t get enough of them!

In addition, the storyline was fantastic! Now that Madr is no longer the heir to the throne, his vicious and dangerous cousin is determined to be the next orc king. And that evil male will do anything to achieve his goals. Even more, I loved that we got to visit the mysterious Matis clan and things there got quite interesting. And I really hope we get to learn more about Dakur and Zickar in future stories. With everything happening, I was glued to the pages till the very end.

Overall, the story is another spectacular addition to the series! It’s filled with adventure, action, humor, suspense, drama, danger, twists, smoking-hot passion and wonderful characters.

I loved it!
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,975 reviews28 followers
February 28, 2024
Finding love in the middle of danger

I loved Lyneth and Madr’s monster-human, fated mates, forced proximity romantic suspense tale. This engaging story had a wonderful balance of humor, love, real life issues, danger, plot twists, and spice. Lyneth is a human widow whose husband died after they’d been married only a few months. The humans in the settlement have an agreement with the orcs that in return for their protection, the humans will give them two brides a year. Lyneth was “chosen” though she suspects it was not random. She feels numb enough from her grief that she’s ambivalent about becoming an orc’s mate. She hopes to escape and reconnect with her sister who was part of the hunt the year before. Madr is an orc and the crown prince of his clan though he recently abdicated his title. He is late for the “mate hunt” because of his father but when Madr’s pendant glows for Lyneth, he knows she’s his fated mate. Despite Lyneth being “given” to Madr as a mate to hunt this is not a dubcon or noncon situation. Lyneth and Madr’s relationship develops organically without forced intimacy as they travel to the orc city and spend time together especially with a delay due to his Vox being intentionally injured. Not all is wonderful and safe in the orc city though and someone wants Madr dead. The book includes good world building, sweet moments, spice, exciting action, danger, culture differences, painful pasts, imperfect characters, missteps, secrets, evil actors, and love. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. 4.5 stars.
Profile Image for Racheal.
657 reviews11 followers
January 9, 2024
While the first book was a great read, I absolutely LOVED this one!! I loved how sweet, patient and adoring Madr was to Lyneth. I loved how she came to love him in an authentic and fitting way that was perfect for her character. She went from uncertain and downhearted to confident in her choice. The relationship between Lyneth and Madr was just so sweet to witness!

I loved Brakkis and am now convinced that I need my own Vox. And while we're talking animals, I just want to throw in there that there's a surprise with one species of animals in this book that I totally didn't see coming!

I also really enjoyed the part of the book where Lyneth and Madr got to stop and visit with the Matis clan. Talk about Worldbuilding! I want a whole book revolving around Dakur finding a mate and that whole world he lives in. It was just so cool! The scenes that happened here, really added to Madr and Lyneth's relationship. Overall, it was one of my favorite parts of the book!

Overall I just really loved that this book had that adventure/high-stakes aspect. There was constant danger to avoid, Orcs trying to lay their claim on Lyneth and a power struggle of who would take over the Kings throne, etc. While I was a little saddened for the King, I was so happy with the ending with who took over the throne. It just felt so fitting!

This was just an excellent addition to the series and I can't wait for the next book!
Profile Image for TaylorDee.
173 reviews1 follower
September 22, 2024

I really enjoyed this one too!

Rhoslyn’s sister Lyneth was only married for a grand total of 2 months before he gets sick and dies. Lyneth is chosen to the one of the next girls to partake in the next year’s Mate Hunt.
Lyneth runs into Jaus’ brother Madr, and his necklace shines for her. Both they both keep secrets from each other. He doesn’t tell her that he was previously a Prince and though it starts up unintentional, when the opportunity presents itself Lyneth doesn’t fess up to the fact that she’s Rhoslyns sister.
As they travel they get closer and Madr learns that though she was married, her husband never gave her any pleasure when they were together. He starts to slowly introduce her to the pleasures that can be had between them. But they don’t do it fast enough.
Our MC’s have to walk back to the city as Madrs evil cousin hurts his mount, a vox. As they make their way back, they end up in another orc territory. The leader Dakur, states that because they ended up there and they haven’t completed their bond, Madr will have to challenge a few other orcs that have tried to claim Lyneth.
After he completes the challenges and they consummate their bond, they have to head back to the city.
They learn that his evil cousins has kidnapped the king and they have to go and rescue him.
151 reviews2 followers
January 11, 2024
Orc’s Fate by Ava Ross is the second in her Monster Mate Hunt series. I loved the first (& the prequel), but this one was even better!!! In this series, once a year, 2 women from a human village are “sacrificed” to the mate hunt & in exchange the Orcs offer that village protection from creatures who live in the forest. The Orcs, having lost many of their females, need the humans’ help if they want their race to continue.

In this story, Lyneth, having recently lost her new husband, is selected to be one of the “sacrificed” women. Not only does she not want to be sacrificed, but she feels as if she’ll be betraying her deceased husband by mating with another. Madr longs for a mate and every year, returns empty handed…until this year.

This is a story filled with romance, danger, intrigue, and a very happy ever after. The world building is great, the characters are likeable, and, because Madr is so sweet, it is a truly romantic story.
Profile Image for JML.
1,297 reviews24 followers
January 17, 2024
4&1\2 terrific 🌟's for Orc's Fate

We met Madhr in the last book he Jaus's half brother. He renounced the throne and is off to the mate hunt to find a human mate. lynneth is Roselyn' s sister. She was married in the first book but her his and died of an illness and she was forced to join the mate hunt. She's willing to USA whatever Orc tries to claim her as a way to find her sister so that she can beg sanctuary from her . what she doesn't expect is to fall for the charming Orc. Something wicked happens two them on the way home to the Orc Kingdom. as they work their way through the dangers they learn to trust and from that trust grow an unshakable love. You'll need to read and find out what danger and adventure our couple faces. Yoh won't be disappointed. I'm really enjoying this series ! Highly recommend🌟🔥💖🔥💖🌟🔥💖🔥🔥🌟💖🔥🔥💖🔥🔥🌟💖🔥🔥🌟💖🔥🌟🔥🌟🔥🌟🌟🔥💖
Profile Image for Sydnee Walsh.
1,263 reviews30 followers
November 21, 2023
Madr is wanting a mate after being around his brother and his mate. He is in love with their tiny daughter too. So he goes on this mare hunt with fingers crossed. He ends up arriving late to the party but still has first blazes with the human that comes out.
Lyneth is widowed and the first to be chosen for the mate hunt this year. She is determined to have whoever gets her take her close to her sister where she will bag to stay. But fate has other plans.
They run into one after another of problems. If it isn’t someone trying to stop them from returning to Madr’s orc city then it’s someone trying to pull them apart. They have to work together to not only stay together but to get to where they can start their lives together.
Profile Image for Donna Zug.
590 reviews5 followers
January 18, 2024
Monster Mate Hunt book 2: this is Lyneth and Madr's story. Once a year two women are pushed out of the gate at dusk. To keep the treaty with the Orcs, they are sacrificed. Not only the orcs will hunt but the shayde do too. Lyneth's name went to the top of the list since her husband died. She has no choice.
Madr's pendant glows when she gets near, so he knows she's his mate. But how do you calm a human who's only heard awful stories about orcs?
Ava has imagined an amazing world with well developed characters, some to love and some not. Her plot twists, secrets, danger, exploration and steam make this a story you won't want to put down.
Profile Image for Ruby Dalegendaryreader.
700 reviews17 followers
January 21, 2024
I love going back to this universe and both characters were introduced to us in the first book, so it was really interesting to see their dynamics. I got caught off guard on how their relationship progressed quickly in terms of intimacy, but we can also see their instant connection right from the start.

We were also brought to the Matis clan and we get to see a glimpse of that secretive clan so I can't wait for the next book.

It was really exciting especially with what's going on with the throne and how it was solved in the end.

I love the first book compared to this one, though. However, still a great read.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,853 reviews20 followers
January 22, 2024
Good

Lyneth and Madr

Chosen to participate in the mate hunt, Lyneth finds herself claimed by Madr.
The son of an Orc king, Madr gave up his claim to the throne a while ago, but now his Royal status is placing him and his new mate in jeapardy!

This one is a companion story to “Claimed by the Orc”, since Rhoslyn and Jaus are the sister/brother of Lyneth and Madr respectively.
Some rather fascinating things happen in this book, that I truly don’t want to spoil because they’re fun, and will hopefully be explored in later tales set in this world.

An engaging fantasy, set in a fascinating world, this is a great choice for monster romance and romantasy lovers.
1,352 reviews12 followers
May 7, 2024
Lyneth was a wife for a brief two months but the death of her husband brought it all to an end. Her village however just sees an opportunity and throws Lyneth into the woods. Still bruised from losing her love she accepts her fate, such as it is, knowing that she is unlikely to ever fall in love again. Madr has already abdicated the throne and wishes for a more simple life. Not sure exactly how he thought that would happen as it is clear someone wants him removed in a more permanent manner. I really enjoyed how these two grew together as a couple over time and getting to know each other despite everything that was being thrown at them.
1,452 reviews2 followers
December 9, 2025
Lyneth was forced to the forest for the monster mate hunt. She planned to leave whoever claimed her to find her sister who was claimed by an orc the previous year. When Madr's pendant lit up for Lyneth, she never thought she could love an orc but it wasn't long before she changed her mind. Madr was sweet, protective and very patient with his new bride. There was danger on their trip back to Madr's home from his cousin and some males who fought him for Lyneth. Madr's father was on his deathbed and it was important for them to get back to the clan so his evil cousin wouldn't take over as king. This story has romance, danger, getting her sister back in her life and a happy ending for both.
776 reviews11 followers
January 7, 2024
Five star read! This series just keeps getting better and better! Ross gives us Lyneth’s story…a widow. I loved how Madr awakens Lyneth’s feelings. She loved her first husband or she thought she did but Madr with his kind soul wins her over. The plot moves fast and I really enjoyed the harrowing moments in the book. I would like to know more about the voxes and hope we get to see their breeding grounds. These characters just worm their way into your heart. I can’t get enough. Excellent read! Download and enjoy.❤️❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for KB Kind.
693 reviews4 followers
July 3, 2024
Love the series…questions with this one

I was a little confused with this one when they started talking about why the village only sent 2 WOMEN out each year since the agreement didn’t specify females. The whole point was for Orcs to have more opportunity to breed. If the village sent out men it would defeat the purpose. I’m happy to see the author try to include a variety of relationships but that part in the story made zero sense to me. Moving on to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Melanie Milburn.
1,247 reviews6 followers
July 26, 2024
Fate

Madr is an Orc prince who disowned his father after years of his denying older half-brother Jaus and treating him with disdain. The final straw was when he insulted Jaus’ mate Rhoslyn.
Lyneth is a young widow who is chosen for the Orc hunt. Her sister had been volunteered the year before, but had returned briefly. She was in love with her mate and told Lyneth that the tales about Orcs were false, most Orcs treasuring their human mates. Lyneth wasn’t sure she believed her, but she was going to find out pretty quickly!
Profile Image for Joy.
298 reviews2 followers
January 13, 2024
Orc’s Fate is the second book in the Monster Mate Hunt Series. This was a highly enjoyable fast paced read. It couldn't put the book down. It's full of adventure, action and suspense. I loved Madr’s witty banter, the steamy teachings, and the twist at the end. I absolutely loved this one and this series keeps getting better with each book. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Joy.
298 reviews2 followers
February 6, 2024
Orc’s Fate is the second book in the Monster Mate Hunt Series. This was a highly enjoyable fast paced read. It couldn't put the book down. It's full of adventure, action and suspense. I loved Madr’s witty banter, the steamy teachings, and the twist at the end. I absolutely loved this one and this series keeps getting better with each book. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,293 reviews10 followers
February 12, 2024
A sweet wooing from Madr

This is book 2 and I enjoyed Madr & Lyneth’s story. It was a beautiful story of mates. Madr is just such a good orc. He is thoughtful, caring, and strong. Lyneth is a strong willed and determined not to be mated to anyone due to the loss of her husband. These two find their way and it is Madr that puts the work in to woo Lyneth and still protect her from the dangers that lurk closer to them as expected. Read On!
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,176 reviews69 followers
January 17, 2024
This was a great addition to this series. Well written and fast paced, this story was laced with action, adventure, twists and suspense. I loved Madr's banter and innuendoes to Lyneth. She sure was in for a surprise when she found out that his steamy teachings were on point ;P Expect to get caught up in the family drama in this one as they work towards an HEA. Good fun!
764 reviews2 followers
February 3, 2024
Very good

Good continuation of the series. Strong female main character without being rude. Male main character is a sweetie! Wonderful humor and romantic scenes are done well and made me chuckle with their interaction. Male is an alpha without being a jerk. Can't wait for the next book.
4,497 reviews24 followers
February 19, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, it's a great addition to this series. It is well written and fast paced, storyline laced with action, adventure, twists, suspense, and intrigue. I can't wait to read more of this series. I received this book as a Free ARC copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
86 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2024
Book #2 in a captive series

Loved this book!!! In the riveting style that writes all of her books this series continues to paint vivid images so you are able to visualize the story as if you are seeing it from the characters own eyes. I didn't want to put it down till I finished jt. Can't wait to read the next this in this series.
Profile Image for Jeannette.
1,389 reviews
March 19, 2024
Lyneth and Madr

This is a very good, well written, Orc/Human romance. Lyneth was married 2 months when her husband died. Then she was chosen as an Orc bride. Madr gave up being a prince and went on the bride hunt. There is lots of adventure and action along with the heat. Read and find out what happens.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
122 reviews
June 29, 2024
Great second book!

Thoroughly enjoyed this just like the first one. While there are other books I realized after finishing the first book, you can read this series separately if you wish.
I appreciate the worldbuilding that happens simultaneously with the romance and the ahem definitely spicy love moments.
1,885 reviews5 followers
April 15, 2025
not what expected

Neither of the pair was expecting the other to be as they were. To their surprise and delight they grew to love each other.
Personally I would have liked the cousin bit to be removed and just have her help king bond with her brother in law. Etc. without rest. To predictable.
Profile Image for La'Jacinth.
1,909 reviews
April 18, 2025
I love that Madr get to fall in love. I love that he gets to love Roslyn's sister, Lyneth.

I love that Lyneth got to see her sister happy but my issue is that she holds onto the fable of the Orcs when her sister is proof that you can find love.

Madr makes her eat her words.....well beg him...lol

I am sooo loving this series.
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