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Monster Orc Brides #1
Saved by the Orc
I owe him. He saved me, even when his kind destroyed my family.
When orcs invaded our village, everything changed. The newly self-appointed mayor chose me as his wife—no matter what my choice had been. Living taxes were imposed—if you want to live, you pay.
My new husband pays the tax for both of us, and it keeps me working wage-free in his eatery for my room and board.
But then comes the day when everyone else in our town hides because the orcs return for us.
My scars aren’t the honorable sort among our people. Mine were forged by capture when my mate sold me to another clan.
I returned home upon her death, broken hearted and in denial that she was one who’d betrayed me. But part of me knows the truth and for that reason, I’ll never re-mate. A decision that’s challenged when I save a beautiful female from the clan who once imprisoned me. A female who’s left her human husband and—like me—is determined never to mate again.
When orcs invaded our village, everything changed. The newly self-appointed mayor chose me as his wife—no matter what my choice had been. Living taxes were imposed—if you want to live, you pay.
My new husband pays the tax for both of us, and it keeps me working wage-free in his eatery for my room and board.
But then comes the day when everyone else in our town hides because the orcs return for us.
My scars aren’t the honorable sort among our people. Mine were forged by capture when my mate sold me to another clan.
I returned home upon her death, broken hearted and in denial that she was one who’d betrayed me. But part of me knows the truth and for that reason, I’ll never re-mate. A decision that’s challenged when I save a beautiful female from the clan who once imprisoned me. A female who’s left her human husband and—like me—is determined never to mate again.
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 6, 2023
93 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Rena Marks
91 books263 followersJoin my fantasies! Get lost in worlds that twist and turn with plot and give you a feel-good, happy ending. Grow lovestruck by the heroes, each one unique. Find them perfectly matched by their heroine, strong women like you and I who know exactly what they want and how they want it—searing, sexy, and passionate.
Remember, true love is out there--beyond the mundane. Life is magical, come read about my mine!
Remember, true love is out there--beyond the mundane. Life is magical, come read about my mine!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 11, 2024
An addictive read that just kept getting better and better!
I loved this entire story! Latsil was kind of relationship averse when he first showed up. He thought his scars made him piss of an orc. The girl, Joanna, was forced into servitude by the mayor after her parents were killed. The story kept building tension while also maintaining a steady pull towards the climactic ending! There was plenty of steam and also conversations that were witty and warm. I just loved the whole book!
I loved this entire story! Latsil was kind of relationship averse when he first showed up. He thought his scars made him piss of an orc. The girl, Joanna, was forced into servitude by the mayor after her parents were killed. The story kept building tension while also maintaining a steady pull towards the climactic ending! There was plenty of steam and also conversations that were witty and warm. I just loved the whole book!
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July 25, 2023Good grief.
This was a DNF for me at 11%.
I have read ONE good Orc book in my life. It was meant to be a series, but it totally fizzled. Ever since then I've been searching for a really good Orc read. Alas... I am too picky for my own good. 😔
This was a DNF for me at 11%.
I have read ONE good Orc book in my life. It was meant to be a series, but it totally fizzled. Ever since then I've been searching for a really good Orc read. Alas... I am too picky for my own good. 😔
July 19, 2023
4.5 stars. This story is a companion to the author’s Owned by the Orc, with parts of the stories overlapping. They both stand alone but they’re both great and I recommend reading the other if you haven’t already.
Joanna, the female human lead, was seized by the human mayor of her town and claimed as his wife when her parents were slaughtered by orcs (along with half the town). When a different orc clan comes into town, everyone hides except Joanna, whose husband has demanded she continue serving in his inn. Latsil, the male orc lead, and his companions are pleased to receive her service and he pays her with a bag of gold on their way out. Seizing the opportunity, after they’ve left, Joanna pretends that they kidnapped her, and absconds with her “husband’s” horse and some provisions.
When she’s intercepted by the first band of orcs, Latsil’s group save her and she joins them as a “working woman”, a respected and well paid profession in the orc community. But Latsil claims the right to train her…
He doesn’t want a mate, having been betrayed by his first, now dead, mate. Joanna doesn’t want one either, but they can’t resist the real and growing attraction…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fun, fast-paced, erotic fantasy romance. I enjoyed Joanna’s initiative and her willingness to take a risk to better her situation. I enjoyed Latsil’s care and reluctant attraction. I enjoyed their relationship development, especially their explicit intimate interactions. I enjoyed the deeply integrated nature of the orc community, especially the other working women and Latsil’s warrior group. I appreciated the relationships developed within those characters as well. I’m really enjoying this author’s writing and will be reading more.
Joanna, the female human lead, was seized by the human mayor of her town and claimed as his wife when her parents were slaughtered by orcs (along with half the town). When a different orc clan comes into town, everyone hides except Joanna, whose husband has demanded she continue serving in his inn. Latsil, the male orc lead, and his companions are pleased to receive her service and he pays her with a bag of gold on their way out. Seizing the opportunity, after they’ve left, Joanna pretends that they kidnapped her, and absconds with her “husband’s” horse and some provisions.
When she’s intercepted by the first band of orcs, Latsil’s group save her and she joins them as a “working woman”, a respected and well paid profession in the orc community. But Latsil claims the right to train her…
He doesn’t want a mate, having been betrayed by his first, now dead, mate. Joanna doesn’t want one either, but they can’t resist the real and growing attraction…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fun, fast-paced, erotic fantasy romance. I enjoyed Joanna’s initiative and her willingness to take a risk to better her situation. I enjoyed Latsil’s care and reluctant attraction. I enjoyed their relationship development, especially their explicit intimate interactions. I enjoyed the deeply integrated nature of the orc community, especially the other working women and Latsil’s warrior group. I appreciated the relationships developed within those characters as well. I’m really enjoying this author’s writing and will be reading more.
August 23, 2023
fantastic voice, great characters, quirky steamy romance
I absolutely fell in love with the voice in this story. The tone of the writing absolutely clicked with me. Everyday I looked forward to getting back into this story. The main characters have suffered and sworn off marriage. But from the moment they meet there’s a spark. I loved how Joanna left her horrible husband and took off on his horse. Her grumpy orc protector Latsil has his own baggage but he can’t help helping her.
They are an unlikely pair and it works. She decides to become an orc whore and he offers to train her. This scenario works for them and was hilarious to watch unfold. The sex scenes are steamy and leave you fanning your face.
The rest of the orcs have their issues and are paying for past choices. But they still protect each other. This is a great read. Absolutely satisfying ending. This is my second read by Rena Marks and I am a huge fan!
I absolutely fell in love with the voice in this story. The tone of the writing absolutely clicked with me. Everyday I looked forward to getting back into this story. The main characters have suffered and sworn off marriage. But from the moment they meet there’s a spark. I loved how Joanna left her horrible husband and took off on his horse. Her grumpy orc protector Latsil has his own baggage but he can’t help helping her.
They are an unlikely pair and it works. She decides to become an orc whore and he offers to train her. This scenario works for them and was hilarious to watch unfold. The sex scenes are steamy and leave you fanning your face.
The rest of the orcs have their issues and are paying for past choices. But they still protect each other. This is a great read. Absolutely satisfying ending. This is my second read by Rena Marks and I am a huge fan!
July 11, 2023
What do you do when Orcs show up in the diner your working in and everyone else is hiding? You take the gold and leave. And that’s just what Joanna did. Unfortunately she meets up with the Blackhearts (Bad Orcs) and winds up in a bit of a predicament. But, fear not as the title states she was saved by a Orc, Latsil.
As Latsil provides for Joanna, he is courting her, which she didn’t realize, nor did Latsil. But, the King sees what they don’t and declares them mates. But, getting to that point haves a few ups and downs. Especially from her fake husband the mayor from her town.
This story had a bit of the first story in it, tying these to together. I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one!
I voluntarily read an advanced copy, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2023
Outstanding reading!
I love it when a woman has the gumption to take matters into her own hands, after life has steam-rolled over her. Joanna is that kind of woman. It isn’t easy. She runs into plenty of trouble. But she does a fine job of ‘reading’ a situation and making good decisions.
I adore Latsil! He’s such a gentle giant with Joanna. Even though he’s been betrayed by a female, captured by the enemy, he doesn’t hold that against Joanna.
This is a highly rewarding story, in which Joanna gains new friends, learns new skills, and teaches some of her own to others. Best of all, she finds true love with her Latsil! Read and enjoy this exciting, saucy, romance!
I love it when a woman has the gumption to take matters into her own hands, after life has steam-rolled over her. Joanna is that kind of woman. It isn’t easy. She runs into plenty of trouble. But she does a fine job of ‘reading’ a situation and making good decisions.
I adore Latsil! He’s such a gentle giant with Joanna. Even though he’s been betrayed by a female, captured by the enemy, he doesn’t hold that against Joanna.
This is a highly rewarding story, in which Joanna gains new friends, learns new skills, and teaches some of her own to others. Best of all, she finds true love with her Latsil! Read and enjoy this exciting, saucy, romance!
February 6, 2024
An easy to read Orc romance
This is a sweet little story. Where a generous Orc and his friends stop by a diner to eat. They meet a human female waitress who is not scared of them and treats them like regular customers. One of the Orcs gives the waitress his entire purse of gold. She is so excited that she makes a run for it to get away from the mayor of the town. Unfortunately the waitress runs into trouble on the way to the new town. Will the good orcs help her? Read on!
This is a sweet little story. Where a generous Orc and his friends stop by a diner to eat. They meet a human female waitress who is not scared of them and treats them like regular customers. One of the Orcs gives the waitress his entire purse of gold. She is so excited that she makes a run for it to get away from the mayor of the town. Unfortunately the waitress runs into trouble on the way to the new town. Will the good orcs help her? Read on!
July 27, 2025
I’m so confused by this. It started off pretty good and then it kind of veered off and became progressively weirder and made less sense as it went on.
The orcs weren’t very orc-like. The main character changed personality about 1/3 of the way in. I got tired of the use of the word whore after the 20th time. And why would a woman trying to escape a bad marriage immediately decide she’s going to become a sex worker in order to escape another marriage, as if that’s the only possible way to manage that?
The orcs weren’t very orc-like. The main character changed personality about 1/3 of the way in. I got tired of the use of the word whore after the 20th time. And why would a woman trying to escape a bad marriage immediately decide she’s going to become a sex worker in order to escape another marriage, as if that’s the only possible way to manage that?
January 15, 2026
Sweet, Funny, sexy
This book was amazing! It made me laugh, cry, and there is so much going on in this. While each of the characters had a unique touch. King Brachard made a huge difference in setting the stage for the orcs to be accepted. In addition to him being a wise leader he is also hilarious. Not just in this book but in the rest of the series as well. It even has a perfect amount of spice. Rena Marks is an amazing author who knows how to draw her audience in. It only took me a day to finish this book as I couldn’t put it down.
This book was amazing! It made me laugh, cry, and there is so much going on in this. While each of the characters had a unique touch. King Brachard made a huge difference in setting the stage for the orcs to be accepted. In addition to him being a wise leader he is also hilarious. Not just in this book but in the rest of the series as well. It even has a perfect amount of spice. Rena Marks is an amazing author who knows how to draw her audience in. It only took me a day to finish this book as I couldn’t put it down.
July 10, 2023
This was fab read that brought together orc, Latsil, and human, Joanna. Both of these characters have pretty tragic background stories, but they fit together so well. Joanna did help Latsil in so many way, but mostly to help him find healing over his scars. She befriended many and had good judgement and gumption. I really liked her. Latsil was protective and caring and quite sexy ;P Expect an entertaining reading ride with hot chemistry when you dive into this fun romance :D
July 12, 2023
Saved By The Orc melted my heart! This story was amazing. Incredibly written with characters that had backstories that really tugged on the heart and a romance that left my adrenaline pumping! The story itself was engaging. There was action, danger, sizzling chemistry and heart tugging moments that made this one of the most easy to devour books I've had the pleasure of reading. Total 5 star worthy...maybe even six!
August 2, 2023
Joanna's story was definitely worth the wait. I searched high and low for this baby after reading about Brun and Hannah. Having stumbled on this author recently, I'm happy to say it's really been a pleasure. No wimpy chicks here and I love strong male characters that play well with others. LOL!!If orcs are your "thing" please treat yourself with this series.
August 6, 2024
The author is new to me, and I can say that I am pleasantly surprised by the writing style and the overall description of the story and characters. I really liked the story. It was very dynamic and interesting, and there wasn't a single moment when I got bored. The entire series is fantastic. I recommend it!
July 12, 2023
Great book
Loved this book. I have been very hesitant to read any of the Orc romance books out, but this one I decided to try. I was not disappointed at all. Good storyline, not overloaded with constant sex, a really sweet romance. Strong female and male characters.
Loved this book. I have been very hesitant to read any of the Orc romance books out, but this one I decided to try. I was not disappointed at all. Good storyline, not overloaded with constant sex, a really sweet romance. Strong female and male characters.
July 19, 2023
This book was everything that I would ever want in a book. Throughout the book, it kept me engaged as a reader. The romance builds gradually and it is something that falls into place so naturally. The characters are easy to fall in love with and support. The spice is excellent and the writing style is absolutely addicting. I would recommend this book 100%!!
July 22, 2023
Great Book!!!
I was happy with the start of the book and then the more I read, I realized I could not put it down. Ended up reading g the entire book. Looking forward to reading g more on the Orcs. Perfectly written!!!
I was happy with the start of the book and then the more I read, I realized I could not put it down. Ended up reading g the entire book. Looking forward to reading g more on the Orcs. Perfectly written!!!
September 27, 2023
Awwwwww
Latsil and joanna are such a good couple, deserving of happiness. There were so many laugh out loud moments too!! Getting to see the whole gang throughout the book, and that amazing epilogue,made me squeal with joy!!!
Latsil and joanna are such a good couple, deserving of happiness. There were so many laugh out loud moments too!! Getting to see the whole gang throughout the book, and that amazing epilogue,made me squeal with joy!!!
January 1, 2024
Really good read
Joanna needs to get away from her abusive husband. The orcs come to town so she takes advantage of the towns fear to leave. Latsil helps her many times. But that's another story. Enjoy
Joanna needs to get away from her abusive husband. The orcs come to town so she takes advantage of the towns fear to leave. Latsil helps her many times. But that's another story. Enjoy
August 26, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book, it is filled with action, adventure and humor. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
July 8, 2023
This orc romance is fantastic!! I loved it! Spicy, romantic, and entertaining.. Joanna's sexy orc is such a sweetheart. Protective, caring, and so good to her..
July 10, 2023
So the FMC decides to become an orc prostitute. And I'm done.
July 20, 2023
saved by the orc
This was a Great story that flowed well. Multiple happy endings with an epilogue chapter to bring it all together.
This was a Great story that flowed well. Multiple happy endings with an epilogue chapter to bring it all together.
August 27, 2023
loved it.
I loved the book and the orcs in the story. The FJC might have been saved by the Orc but she gave him back his happiness.
I loved the book and the orcs in the story. The FJC might have been saved by the Orc but she gave him back his happiness.
March 24, 2024
Hmm... This was fine. I did like the overall story, but I just dont think i liked it enough to continue the series. Not sure what it was, really, but i just didnt think it was that good i guess.
May 24, 2024
3.5 stars
It was cute. I enjoyed the light hearted banter and the humour. It wasn’t an intense read, but a good one. Not particularly memorable and I probably wouldn’t re-read.
It was cute. I enjoyed the light hearted banter and the humour. It wasn’t an intense read, but a good one. Not particularly memorable and I probably wouldn’t re-read.
July 31, 2024
Awwww!
Oh the ending! What a revelation! Parallel timeline with book one (Brun & Hannah) and this story fills in a lot of the past trauma.
Oh the ending! What a revelation! Parallel timeline with book one (Brun & Hannah) and this story fills in a lot of the past trauma.
May 2, 2025
I really love this series.
The second one is as good as the first! I will definitely continue with the next in series.
Yes, I recommend this one.
The second one is as good as the first! I will definitely continue with the next in series.
Yes, I recommend this one.
October 15, 2025
Nice, cute ... but a little confusing at times, everything was happening at the same time without continuity.
September 30, 2025
Monster Orc Brides Series :
✅ 1. Saved by the Orc by Rena Marks - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
addition to the series 'MONSTER BRIDE' combined with book"OWNED BY THE ORC" Rena Marks
It concerns the story of JOANNA and LATSIL
✅ 2. Owned By the Orc by Rena Marks - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ 3. Adored by the Orc by Rena Marks - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❌ 4. Loved By The Orc: A Monster Fantasy Romance (Monster Orc Brides) ~by Rena Marks (September 26, 2025)
https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Orc-Br...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monster Brides Series :
Tracy Lauren - tom 1 "An Offer to the Orc" 4⭐
Reny Marks - tom 2 pt. "OWNED BY THE ORC" 4⭐
Reny Marks - tom 2.5 pt. "SAVET BY THE ORC" 4⭐ spinn-off
Alana Khan - "The Orc's Bidding" 4⭐
Sandry R Neeley - "Sheltered by the Orc" 5⭐
Liz Paffel - "Promised To the Orc" 3⭐
Zoe Ashwood - "Her Orc Husband" 5⭐- spin-off to the series "Black Bear Clan" which includes 6 volumes.
Jessica Grayson - "The Orc's Reluctant Bride" 5⭐ spin-off series titled 'Of Fate and Kings', which includes 7 volumes.
Zoe Ashwood - "Her Orc King" 5 ⭐ - spin off Bellhaven Clan Series #1
https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Brides...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bellhaven Clan Series / Black Bear Clan - 9 book series
0.5 Her Orc Mate ✅ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.Her Orc King: A Monster Fantasy Romance ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.Her Orc Guardian ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Her Orc Warrior ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Her Orc Protector ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.Her Orc Husband ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Her Orc Blacksmiths ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Her Orc Gentleman ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. His Orc Lady - Publication November 8, 2024 ✅ 4.5 ⭐
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Bear-Cla...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SPIN OFF - Boar Clan Brides Series :
1 The Orc's Thief : The Stonefrost Clan Brides Series by Zoe Ashwood (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
-ARLON and TESSA - read Jun 26..2025
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLD89H2
✅ 1. Saved by the Orc by Rena Marks - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
addition to the series 'MONSTER BRIDE' combined with book"OWNED BY THE ORC" Rena Marks
It concerns the story of JOANNA and LATSIL
✅ 2. Owned By the Orc by Rena Marks - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅ 3. Adored by the Orc by Rena Marks - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
❌ 4. Loved By The Orc: A Monster Fantasy Romance (Monster Orc Brides) ~by Rena Marks (September 26, 2025)
https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Orc-Br...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monster Brides Series :
Tracy Lauren - tom 1 "An Offer to the Orc" 4⭐
Reny Marks - tom 2 pt. "OWNED BY THE ORC" 4⭐
Reny Marks - tom 2.5 pt. "SAVET BY THE ORC" 4⭐ spinn-off
Alana Khan - "The Orc's Bidding" 4⭐
Sandry R Neeley - "Sheltered by the Orc" 5⭐
Liz Paffel - "Promised To the Orc" 3⭐
Zoe Ashwood - "Her Orc Husband" 5⭐- spin-off to the series "Black Bear Clan" which includes 6 volumes.
Jessica Grayson - "The Orc's Reluctant Bride" 5⭐ spin-off series titled 'Of Fate and Kings', which includes 7 volumes.
Zoe Ashwood - "Her Orc King" 5 ⭐ - spin off Bellhaven Clan Series #1
https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Brides...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bellhaven Clan Series / Black Bear Clan - 9 book series
0.5 Her Orc Mate ✅ 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.Her Orc King: A Monster Fantasy Romance ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.Her Orc Guardian ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Her Orc Warrior ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. Her Orc Protector ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.Her Orc Husband ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
6. Her Orc Blacksmiths ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
7. Her Orc Gentleman ✅ 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. His Orc Lady - Publication November 8, 2024 ✅ 4.5 ⭐
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Bear-Cla...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SPIN OFF - Boar Clan Brides Series :
1 The Orc's Thief : The Stonefrost Clan Brides Series by Zoe Ashwood (2025) - 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
-ARLON and TESSA - read Jun 26..2025
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLLD89H2
September 12, 2024
It’s a sweet story, but…
It’s a sweet story, but not orcish enough for me. I guess I think orcs *should* be a wee bit unreasonable, and less civilized. I like the orc stories where there’s more of a balance between the sweetness and the monstrous.
It’s a sweet story, but not orcish enough for me. I guess I think orcs *should* be a wee bit unreasonable, and less civilized. I like the orc stories where there’s more of a balance between the sweetness and the monstrous.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews