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The Queen and the Orc Prince #1
The Orc Prince
ARIA
I am alone. Like I have always been.
Other people look at me, see my face and think I have everything.
But I have even less than the pauper in the street.
I am doused in opulence, and I have a name; but none of those things are mine.
I am at the mercy of those who own my life.
IGOR
A hundred years of banishment to this realm was the price I paid.
A realm of humans, where I am the monster of every youngling’s nightmare and a cautionary tale for naughty children.
Am I changed enough to return to my realm?
The answer stares at me, as clear as the moon above.
No.
A chance meeting leaves Aria in the hands of the mysterious monster that haunts her lands. Will life finally give them the peace they both crave, or will their pasts catch up with them and ruin everything?
I am alone. Like I have always been.
Other people look at me, see my face and think I have everything.
But I have even less than the pauper in the street.
I am doused in opulence, and I have a name; but none of those things are mine.
I am at the mercy of those who own my life.
IGOR
A hundred years of banishment to this realm was the price I paid.
A realm of humans, where I am the monster of every youngling’s nightmare and a cautionary tale for naughty children.
Am I changed enough to return to my realm?
The answer stares at me, as clear as the moon above.
No.
A chance meeting leaves Aria in the hands of the mysterious monster that haunts her lands. Will life finally give them the peace they both crave, or will their pasts catch up with them and ruin everything?
295 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2023
171 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
October 27, 2023
i fear my monster romance era has come to an end, i cannot take another instalove book or ill lose it
September 8, 2023
I have a lot to say about this one!
Did I enjoy it? Very much so. It honestly felt refreshing to read something so straightforward with adults who openly communicate their honest feelings. Loved that. Also loved that there was no misunderstanding- that’s my least favourite tropes in books and it should end IMMEDIATELY.
Aria and Igor. Loved them. Found them funny. Found them endearing. Found them a perfect fit for each other honestly.
In the third act of this story though, Aria- girl, you started proper pissing me off. She just willingly became this man’s punching bag. At no point did she do ANYTHING to free herself from her situation. I know Shepherd is a powerful evil king and all, but she just kept sitting around waiting for someone to save her. They said she was smart, but I had yet to see it. She just became this ‘oh woe is me’ damsel. Then she had the nerve to feel bad that the servants weren’t willing to stand up for her out of fear when girl, you were doing the SAME thing. You did ABSOLUTELY nothing to secure your own head.
Then there were a bit of discrepancies littered across the story. Eg. On one page, she said she was supposed to give birth today, then when the doctor arrived, she was supposedly shocked and said it wasn’t scheduled for another few days. Only 2 pages back you were up and prepared because you knew the plan was scheduled to have you give birth today! There were a few inconsistencies like that across the entire story that made me think author either didn’t have an editor or proofreader because it was too many to have just flown under the radar.
Also, even a king can’t just have someone executed without a trial. Especially not the queen!!! Come now! That part just seemed a bit of lazy that a quick research could have fixed. Have a trial. Even a sham one, but a King isn’t suddenly omnipotent and not answerable ESPECIALLY since it was mentioned in the story that there was a council and that was the reason he couldn’t get rid of Aria the first or second time.
Despite the discrepancies, I truly enjoyed the characters and the story. I got genuinely invested in their story- my palms were even sweating when they were discovered. I was triggered. Asking myself, “will they survive this?” Lol.
I want to see my orc prince, Igor, and my human Queen, Aria, get their happily ever after. They deserve it. Also, there are so many questions that I can’t wait to have answered in the next book.
What happened to her brother? If the king was so hated, why did no one try to save her? What is the father’s endgame? Will her mother ever reveal the truth?
I did like all the little background storylines- as I’ll fleshed out though they were and I am intrigued enough to return for the second reading. Which I will start after leaving this review.
4/5 stars. Likeable leads- didn’t like the black and white villains, and felt as though we could have gotten more or something about the reason behind his hatred for Aria. Also, the switch up with Shamus was very much ‘dues ex machina’ and I didn’t like it, but let’s see what unfolds in the second book.
Did I enjoy it? Very much so. It honestly felt refreshing to read something so straightforward with adults who openly communicate their honest feelings. Loved that. Also loved that there was no misunderstanding- that’s my least favourite tropes in books and it should end IMMEDIATELY.
Aria and Igor. Loved them. Found them funny. Found them endearing. Found them a perfect fit for each other honestly.
In the third act of this story though, Aria- girl, you started proper pissing me off. She just willingly became this man’s punching bag. At no point did she do ANYTHING to free herself from her situation. I know Shepherd is a powerful evil king and all, but she just kept sitting around waiting for someone to save her. They said she was smart, but I had yet to see it. She just became this ‘oh woe is me’ damsel. Then she had the nerve to feel bad that the servants weren’t willing to stand up for her out of fear when girl, you were doing the SAME thing. You did ABSOLUTELY nothing to secure your own head.
Then there were a bit of discrepancies littered across the story. Eg. On one page, she said she was supposed to give birth today, then when the doctor arrived, she was supposedly shocked and said it wasn’t scheduled for another few days. Only 2 pages back you were up and prepared because you knew the plan was scheduled to have you give birth today! There were a few inconsistencies like that across the entire story that made me think author either didn’t have an editor or proofreader because it was too many to have just flown under the radar.
Also, even a king can’t just have someone executed without a trial. Especially not the queen!!! Come now! That part just seemed a bit of lazy that a quick research could have fixed. Have a trial. Even a sham one, but a King isn’t suddenly omnipotent and not answerable ESPECIALLY since it was mentioned in the story that there was a council and that was the reason he couldn’t get rid of Aria the first or second time.
Despite the discrepancies, I truly enjoyed the characters and the story. I got genuinely invested in their story- my palms were even sweating when they were discovered. I was triggered. Asking myself, “will they survive this?” Lol.
I want to see my orc prince, Igor, and my human Queen, Aria, get their happily ever after. They deserve it. Also, there are so many questions that I can’t wait to have answered in the next book.
What happened to her brother? If the king was so hated, why did no one try to save her? What is the father’s endgame? Will her mother ever reveal the truth?
I did like all the little background storylines- as I’ll fleshed out though they were and I am intrigued enough to return for the second reading. Which I will start after leaving this review.
4/5 stars. Likeable leads- didn’t like the black and white villains, and felt as though we could have gotten more or something about the reason behind his hatred for Aria. Also, the switch up with Shamus was very much ‘dues ex machina’ and I didn’t like it, but let’s see what unfolds in the second book.
October 3, 2023
*3.5 stars
July 15, 2023
Took me forever to finish this book mainly because I lost interest. However, it’s not common that I get a monster romance with a bfmc, so I wanted to finish. This book started off strong. It initially sucked me in and when the H/h things heated up quick. When I tell you the smut was smutting it was! The relationship between the characters actually developed nicely.
The downfall of this book was that the middle went on a little two long for me, so essentially it got boring. When we are back at the castle, the heroine really got on my nerves with her wimpy ass. She didn’t even get a back bone until essentially the last chapter of the book. Which is definitely a pity. Also, this may be on me because I didn’t pay attention. If I had known this was going to end in a cliffhanger I would have mentally prepared myself. I almost threw my phone across the room because of that.
For the above reasons this book is a solid three stars.
The downfall of this book was that the middle went on a little two long for me, so essentially it got boring. When we are back at the castle, the heroine really got on my nerves with her wimpy ass. She didn’t even get a back bone until essentially the last chapter of the book. Which is definitely a pity. Also, this may be on me because I didn’t pay attention. If I had known this was going to end in a cliffhanger I would have mentally prepared myself. I almost threw my phone across the room because of that.
For the above reasons this book is a solid three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2023
not to sure
This was a very interesting read. I would give it a two outta five in the steam section. I’m also not a huge fan of cliff hangers either. The FMC was suchhhh a wimp. She was a princess in every single way. I really wanted her to stand up to the king on her own in the second half of the book, but she was totally dependent on her Orc. He on the other hand MMC was….well he was a brute who got spring on the kitty…lol He didn’t know anything else or want anything else in his life. The ending was super rushed, one minute we are happily in the woods and the next we are in a dungeon, and then wham we are jumping through portals. It was a lot to take in during the last 20 pages or so. As much as I would like to know how this all ends I am not sure I can go through 300 more pages to find out. This was my first time with the author. I give her an applause, but I don’t think this was my jam. 2.5 stars in my review.
This was a very interesting read. I would give it a two outta five in the steam section. I’m also not a huge fan of cliff hangers either. The FMC was suchhhh a wimp. She was a princess in every single way. I really wanted her to stand up to the king on her own in the second half of the book, but she was totally dependent on her Orc. He on the other hand MMC was….well he was a brute who got spring on the kitty…lol He didn’t know anything else or want anything else in his life. The ending was super rushed, one minute we are happily in the woods and the next we are in a dungeon, and then wham we are jumping through portals. It was a lot to take in during the last 20 pages or so. As much as I would like to know how this all ends I am not sure I can go through 300 more pages to find out. This was my first time with the author. I give her an applause, but I don’t think this was my jam. 2.5 stars in my review.
August 19, 2024
I have been searching for an Orc romance I thought I would like. I finally found it.
We follow Aria the Queen to a king who has no interest in her or her purpose to carry children. She goes on the run and ends up meeting Igor the Orc hero. He shows her how good life can be and we just have so much coziness until we hit the third act.
This does end on a bit of a cliffhanger but I'm really excited to pick up book two.
CW: abusive partner (on page verbal and physical not the love interest), pregnancy
We follow Aria the Queen to a king who has no interest in her or her purpose to carry children. She goes on the run and ends up meeting Igor the Orc hero. He shows her how good life can be and we just have so much coziness until we hit the third act.
This does end on a bit of a cliffhanger but I'm really excited to pick up book two.
CW: abusive partner (on page verbal and physical not the love interest), pregnancy
June 6, 2024
DNF @ 17%
I couldn’t get into the writing. It felt like a very stilted reading experience.
Also I felt it really weird that the opening plot point was that her husband is an abusive asshole who doesn't want her because he's gay? I mean yes he's a shit human but most of the premise revolves around him wanting to sleep with men instead. Like why are we using queerness as one of the character points of the villain?
I couldn’t get into the writing. It felt like a very stilted reading experience.
Also I felt it really weird that the opening plot point was that her husband is an abusive asshole who doesn't want her because he's gay? I mean yes he's a shit human but most of the premise revolves around him wanting to sleep with men instead. Like why are we using queerness as one of the character points of the villain?
August 27, 2023
"It feels good to have this. To have a man desire you so intensely and completely, the mere look of you drives him feral."
Highlights:
I'm obsessed with Aria and Igor. Their romance was so sweet (and spicy). I really liked their banter and how playful they were together. The plot itself I liked too. Aria as this beautiful queen tossed aside by the king and Igor as this banished heir to the throne. I loved watching Aria heal and come into herself and Igor prove his worth as a king. The villains in this story actually felt scared which added a lot of tension to the climatic moments. I think there was a great balance of fluffiness, spice and plot.
Horn Level: 5/5🌶️
Format:
Ebook — Kindle Unlimited
The Rating
I give this book a 5/5🌟 rating. I have a bias towards orc books and this is one of my new favorites! I can't wait to read the sequel!!
Check out my socials here for more reviews!
May 30, 2024
Orc Love
This is going to be a little spoiler-y. This was so so good up until around 65% or when they are betrayed. Timeline wise I get it but it plays out for to long and is a lot of repetitive internal monologuing. Aria also takes like forever to find her backbone. Then due to the sequence of events and the way things play out/are written she never gets any answers to questions that were posed often. Which personally left me annoyed. However, off the strength of the romance and the sweetness of them connecting, Aria reading Shamus for filth, and the cliffhanger I still really enjoyed this book and would recommend it because the things that bugged me lean towards the personal preference end of the pacing and plot spectrum. Also I thought this was like an interconnected series not duology, idk how I mixed that up but the cliffy wasn’t bad enough for me to care.
This is going to be a little spoiler-y. This was so so good up until around 65% or when they are betrayed. Timeline wise I get it but it plays out for to long and is a lot of repetitive internal monologuing. Aria also takes like forever to find her backbone. Then due to the sequence of events and the way things play out/are written she never gets any answers to questions that were posed often. Which personally left me annoyed. However, off the strength of the romance and the sweetness of them connecting, Aria reading Shamus for filth, and the cliffhanger I still really enjoyed this book and would recommend it because the things that bugged me lean towards the personal preference end of the pacing and plot spectrum. Also I thought this was like an interconnected series not duology, idk how I mixed that up but the cliffy wasn’t bad enough for me to care.
August 16, 2023
Fun Fantasy Read
This was fun. Aria and Igor are perfect for each other. Aria was living in a golden prison but her life in the woods with Igor was a million times better.
This was entertaining. I enjoyed our main characters and the plot was was really interesting, especially as things ramped up. I was constantly waiting to see what happened next.
The only thing I wanted more of is to see Aria’s strength, especially when she’s found. The tears and begging were old especially because she knew they would do her no good.
Overall an entertained read, on to part two!
This was fun. Aria and Igor are perfect for each other. Aria was living in a golden prison but her life in the woods with Igor was a million times better.
This was entertaining. I enjoyed our main characters and the plot was was really interesting, especially as things ramped up. I was constantly waiting to see what happened next.
The only thing I wanted more of is to see Aria’s strength, especially when she’s found. The tears and begging were old especially because she knew they would do her no good.
Overall an entertained read, on to part two!
June 7, 2023
This was a fantasy romance featuring a very sweet relationship between a human woman and orc male.
The romance lacked a lot of the typical tropes that seem to come along with an “orc romance” so to speak. The relationship was very sweet and supportive and built from a genuine connection and friendship. That said there were other darker elements to the story as a whole and the content warnings should definitely be considered before you read.
I was really surprised by how good this book was. The story line was great and the romance felt real and compelling. The main characters also experienced personal growth throughout the story.
I would have liked to see a little more world building and perhaps some more development of the side characters. But my main complaint with this book was some editing issues. Most importantly, one of the chapters was repeated and I think this meant I missed a chapter (I read this book on Kindle on June 5, 2023). There was also some minor spelling/editing mistakes, however those don’t really bother me at all.
Overall, I’m giving this book a 4.5 rounded up to 5 out of 5 stars!
The romance lacked a lot of the typical tropes that seem to come along with an “orc romance” so to speak. The relationship was very sweet and supportive and built from a genuine connection and friendship. That said there were other darker elements to the story as a whole and the content warnings should definitely be considered before you read.
I was really surprised by how good this book was. The story line was great and the romance felt real and compelling. The main characters also experienced personal growth throughout the story.
I would have liked to see a little more world building and perhaps some more development of the side characters. But my main complaint with this book was some editing issues. Most importantly, one of the chapters was repeated and I think this meant I missed a chapter (I read this book on Kindle on June 5, 2023). There was also some minor spelling/editing mistakes, however those don’t really bother me at all.
Overall, I’m giving this book a 4.5 rounded up to 5 out of 5 stars!
February 21, 2024
Ooh, I liked this one!
The story is filled with drama, court politics, slow burn with delicious spice and sweet tenderness, and some mysteries along the way. I like how both Aria and Igor are strong characters with faults that they are willing to work on.
I also enjoy how the book is divided into three sections that allow us to get information and understand where the characters are coming from. I also like that villains are definitely villains and there's no way to redeem them. We get to hate them and see especially Aria rise above it. My favorite moment comes toward the end of the book where she really lays down the law for the people who have wronged her. Loved that scene.
I'm so curious as to what's in store for Aria and Igor next. The final moments left so many questions and I need answers!
The story is filled with drama, court politics, slow burn with delicious spice and sweet tenderness, and some mysteries along the way. I like how both Aria and Igor are strong characters with faults that they are willing to work on.
I also enjoy how the book is divided into three sections that allow us to get information and understand where the characters are coming from. I also like that villains are definitely villains and there's no way to redeem them. We get to hate them and see especially Aria rise above it. My favorite moment comes toward the end of the book where she really lays down the law for the people who have wronged her. Loved that scene.
I'm so curious as to what's in store for Aria and Igor next. The final moments left so many questions and I need answers!
May 7, 2023
This book has it all. I really enjoyed Igor, he was just so sweet. This book was full of suspense for me. You didn’t know what was going to happen next and just couldn’t put it down. This was my first Orc book and I was not disappointed. I cannot wait to see what happens to Igor and Aria’s story.
November 11, 2023
A hidden gem!
Please support this author! Her writing is on par with Elizabeth Stephens! I will most assuredly continue to read her future works!
So happy to have found this indie author!!
Love your work Qua Hudson!
Please support this author! Her writing is on par with Elizabeth Stephens! I will most assuredly continue to read her future works!
So happy to have found this indie author!!
Love your work Qua Hudson!
November 29, 2023
I was in a reading slump and randomly picked this book up and it shook me out of it. I honestly wasn’t expecting much just bc I don’t really read monster love books much but I pleasantly surprised and enjoyed it and it got me out of my slump.
October 7, 2025
solid 3.5✨
the writing was okay.
smut was hot af.
i liked the first 70% and then i did find myself getting bored the rest of it.
honestly i think it was everything that didn’t involve aria and igor? idk..
the writing was okay.
smut was hot af.
i liked the first 70% and then i did find myself getting bored the rest of it.
honestly i think it was everything that didn’t involve aria and igor? idk..
November 15, 2023
This had potential but didn’t quite fulfill that potential.
November 8, 2023
rating: 3.5 ⭐️
gave-up-on
September 2, 2025DNF @ 42% - I feel like I got far enough though this book to call it. It read wattpad/fanfic-esque to me, and in combination with an instalove story and an almost petulant(?) FMC, I am thoroughly disengaged. Not for me, bless
August 22, 2023
My heart broke for Aria and her circumstances. So happy she found Igor and can’t wait for them to have their hea.
February 13, 2024
My biggest issue with this one was the motivations of the king/villain. I am sure it wasn't the authors intention to make it feel a tad homophobic, but for me...it did. The king's motivation for being evil is because hes gay? I could understand his love interest being jealous of the MC in that she has everything he wants but it still felt very "gay ppl = evil" to me. As a queer person it made me really uncomfortable.
November 24, 2024
This had potential but the writing really disappointed me. The main couple meets and falls in love before the 30 percent mark of the book! Where's the plot development? Where's the tension? This book reads more like a summary of a book; we're told what happens quickly and without much detail. I don't feel like pushing through it. Too bad because the author actually did a great job at establishing conflict, especially with the FMC backstory.
December 12, 2023
None of the characters have a personality and the main couple have no chemistry
September 18, 2023
This is a very mixed bag. On the one hand, always down for monster romances with black female leads. Finding out they existed at all was a very happy day for me. However, this book also made some strange choices with the villains and it falls in line with monster romances with weak protagonists, which was a bummer.
I liked that Aria was not afraid of Igor and was always willing to express her dissatisfaction when he upset her. I liked that this wasn't one of the "romances" with a lot of non-consensual sex scenes. It's very (enthusiastically) consensual and Igor was very loving towards her. Despite a huge chunk of this book consisting of them making meals, Igor chopping wood, more meals, bathing and sleeping. Rinse and repeat. It got a bit tedious after some time, but I was still interested. I like their relationship, they fit well together, and you get why that tiny utopia was something they were content to stay with.
The set up that leads to Aria meeting him was... extremely cruel. I get that we had to set up for Igor to have something to avenge, but we sit with Aria in this terrible situation for long enough that the reading experience becomes a huge bummer. To be clear, not victim blaming, I'm just disappointed and confused as to why she even bothered thinking about getting revenge if she was never going to attempt it.
That coupled with the fact that so much of this book consists of Igor seemingly being her sole mode of transportation made for a protagonist that was rather annoying. She's only capable of being a bit snarky with Igor. There's no fight in her at any other point and that personally doesn't make for a character I enjoy reading about.
So, I enjoyed the relationship between Igor and Aria, but Aria as a character left a lot to be desired. (Don't kill me, Igor).
I liked that Aria was not afraid of Igor and was always willing to express her dissatisfaction when he upset her. I liked that this wasn't one of the "romances" with a lot of non-consensual sex scenes. It's very (enthusiastically) consensual and Igor was very loving towards her. Despite a huge chunk of this book consisting of them making meals, Igor chopping wood, more meals, bathing and sleeping. Rinse and repeat. It got a bit tedious after some time, but I was still interested. I like their relationship, they fit well together, and you get why that tiny utopia was something they were content to stay with.
The set up that leads to Aria meeting him was... extremely cruel. I get that we had to set up for Igor to have something to avenge, but we sit with Aria in this terrible situation for long enough that the reading experience becomes a huge bummer. To be clear, not victim blaming, I'm just disappointed and confused as to why she even bothered thinking about getting revenge if she was never going to attempt it.
That coupled with the fact that so much of this book consists of Igor seemingly being her sole mode of transportation made for a protagonist that was rather annoying. She's only capable of being a bit snarky with Igor. There's no fight in her at any other point and that personally doesn't make for a character I enjoy reading about.
So, I enjoyed the relationship between Igor and Aria, but Aria as a character left a lot to be desired. (Don't kill me, Igor).
May 5, 2023
Alright how should I start this review....
I'll start by saying I was emotional the entire book. I almost teared up in one scene when Aria thanks Shamus for telling her "A TRUTH" not because what Shamus did was good, but because it gave Aria peace with one answer.
I know that sounds strange and vague ( I'm trying not to spoil), but given what we've read so far, you just want to give her something even if it's a simple answer like Yes I did it. Or No, I was unhappy. Something simple. But you know as you read through it, Aria needed it and so you're just happy for a simple answer to a question.
I just rooted for Aria and she's so strong minded. I wouldn't consider her a damsel for some reason. She had her damsel moments---- a lot, but I felt like they were intended to keep her alive compared to she's incapable of handling herself. She knew how to play the game of weak queen against a powerful evil shit king. Her life depended on her play. I felt like the book was well plotted out. I didn't catch any plot holes. Do we need to wait for book 2 to find out answers that happened in book 1 yes. Why did mama leave, Where's Igor? The big questions.
I do feel a book hang over coming on because I just need to know what happens next.
I do wish we got to see more Igor and Hansel interactions. I would be a little more surprised for what happens. There are a lot of unexpected twists and I feel like the author knew how to keep us engaged. The smut was top tier. Spice level is a 1. But steamy scenes and level was 4.5-5. You get plenty of scenes and more plot. At first I was like man why is there so much smut but then I realized I still have about 60% left of this book and the overral romance was there and burning. And then I was like the smut is evenly portioned out. I stayed blushing throughout the book for hours. My cheeks started to hurt a bit.
It was a good story. The author writes rather easy and can follow along. I don't look for grammar as I suck at catching errors, so don't ask me how's the grammar. I was really here for the romance and the plot. I wasn't disappointed.
I'll start by saying I was emotional the entire book. I almost teared up in one scene when Aria thanks Shamus for telling her "A TRUTH" not because what Shamus did was good, but because it gave Aria peace with one answer.
I know that sounds strange and vague ( I'm trying not to spoil), but given what we've read so far, you just want to give her something even if it's a simple answer like Yes I did it. Or No, I was unhappy. Something simple. But you know as you read through it, Aria needed it and so you're just happy for a simple answer to a question.
I just rooted for Aria and she's so strong minded. I wouldn't consider her a damsel for some reason. She had her damsel moments---- a lot, but I felt like they were intended to keep her alive compared to she's incapable of handling herself. She knew how to play the game of weak queen against a powerful evil shit king. Her life depended on her play. I felt like the book was well plotted out. I didn't catch any plot holes. Do we need to wait for book 2 to find out answers that happened in book 1 yes. Why did mama leave, Where's Igor? The big questions.
I do feel a book hang over coming on because I just need to know what happens next.
I do wish we got to see more Igor and Hansel interactions. I would be a little more surprised for what happens. There are a lot of unexpected twists and I feel like the author knew how to keep us engaged. The smut was top tier. Spice level is a 1. But steamy scenes and level was 4.5-5. You get plenty of scenes and more plot. At first I was like man why is there so much smut but then I realized I still have about 60% left of this book and the overral romance was there and burning. And then I was like the smut is evenly portioned out. I stayed blushing throughout the book for hours. My cheeks started to hurt a bit.
It was a good story. The author writes rather easy and can follow along. I don't look for grammar as I suck at catching errors, so don't ask me how's the grammar. I was really here for the romance and the plot. I wasn't disappointed.
May 17, 2023
This book was hard to digest. It has the drama in so many places it’s an understatement to say it has some triggers. If you aren’t ok with triggers definitely don’t read this book.
Saying that I would say that this book works on so many emotions you may need to talk it out with another book lover.
Aria’s life is something out of a horror novel. It isn’t just cruel it’s sadistic. Her Royal life may as well be a living nightmare. You think magic is great we’ll think again. When it’s used to heal abuse so you can get away with almost anything it should be destroyed. A pretty face and all the power can hide so much evil. I don’t know how Aria survives at all.
Igor may be a Orc and monster to everyone but that doesn’t make him cruel. He is one of the only decent people in this story. He is there for a reason that I believe he learns then has it tested in the most horrific ways.
These two may be from different species but they are the only ones that understand each other and can see past the surfaces.
I hope with the conclusion of their story in book two we find so much justice for them it will be like happiness vomiting all over the place. I don’t even care if I get all my questions answered or not. I just want them to see everything they had done to them pushed back on to each of the people that hurt or stood by while they were hurt. It may sound blood thirst but I cannot imagine they deserve anything less.
I got pissed at this book. I got chills from this book. I got disgusted with this book. I even cried for this book. But I so want revenge for this couple that I would say to anyone who reads this that you have to live this life with the characters and it hurts so bad. The confusion you have with all the whys must come to a great end right? I mean authors can be mean but with all that is done we need to finish this book and journey with them. Cheering and praying for Aria and Igor. They so need it.
Saying that I would say that this book works on so many emotions you may need to talk it out with another book lover.
Aria’s life is something out of a horror novel. It isn’t just cruel it’s sadistic. Her Royal life may as well be a living nightmare. You think magic is great we’ll think again. When it’s used to heal abuse so you can get away with almost anything it should be destroyed. A pretty face and all the power can hide so much evil. I don’t know how Aria survives at all.
Igor may be a Orc and monster to everyone but that doesn’t make him cruel. He is one of the only decent people in this story. He is there for a reason that I believe he learns then has it tested in the most horrific ways.
These two may be from different species but they are the only ones that understand each other and can see past the surfaces.
I hope with the conclusion of their story in book two we find so much justice for them it will be like happiness vomiting all over the place. I don’t even care if I get all my questions answered or not. I just want them to see everything they had done to them pushed back on to each of the people that hurt or stood by while they were hurt. It may sound blood thirst but I cannot imagine they deserve anything less.
I got pissed at this book. I got chills from this book. I got disgusted with this book. I even cried for this book. But I so want revenge for this couple that I would say to anyone who reads this that you have to live this life with the characters and it hurts so bad. The confusion you have with all the whys must come to a great end right? I mean authors can be mean but with all that is done we need to finish this book and journey with them. Cheering and praying for Aria and Igor. They so need it.
September 17, 2023
If you know me, you’ll know that this book has a lot of tropes I enjoy (orcs, fantasy elements, spurned lovers, surprise pregnancy). While I did enjoy the book, I have some complaints (as always). And as always, keep in mind that I mostly dish about what I didn’t like so that you know what you’re getting into.
I really struggled with the typos in this book. Usually I can get past typos (we are all human and can’t catch everything), but the ones I cannot move past are ones that leave me rereading sentences of paragraphs to make sense of what’s going on. In this book, “wonder” was consistently used instead of “wander,” “limps” instead of “limbs,” and plot-inconsistent errors were made that were really confusing.
I wish Aria did a bit more to protect herself or push back when she returned. She seemed to just give up when she went back and just sit around waiting for Igor to fix it all for her. This is a trend that goes into the second book too, where Aria doesn’t really act as a main plot driver. Basically all of the action revolves around Igor and his decisions, which also erases any believability we had of Aria as a brilliant politician or any sort of strong queen.
I also wish there was more explanation of why Shepherd had so much hatred for Aria, and some plot things (Aria’s mother and family history, Hanser and his family, etc.) that got introduced didn’t make much sense yet. I hoped they would explain things more in the second book but as I immediately read that one before this review, I know it just kinda gets brushed over. It’s a good start to a story but the ending will leave you a bit disappointed.
I really struggled with the typos in this book. Usually I can get past typos (we are all human and can’t catch everything), but the ones I cannot move past are ones that leave me rereading sentences of paragraphs to make sense of what’s going on. In this book, “wonder” was consistently used instead of “wander,” “limps” instead of “limbs,” and plot-inconsistent errors were made that were really confusing.
I wish Aria did a bit more to protect herself or push back when she returned. She seemed to just give up when she went back and just sit around waiting for Igor to fix it all for her. This is a trend that goes into the second book too, where Aria doesn’t really act as a main plot driver. Basically all of the action revolves around Igor and his decisions, which also erases any believability we had of Aria as a brilliant politician or any sort of strong queen.
I also wish there was more explanation of why Shepherd had so much hatred for Aria, and some plot things (Aria’s mother and family history, Hanser and his family, etc.) that got introduced didn’t make much sense yet. I hoped they would explain things more in the second book but as I immediately read that one before this review, I know it just kinda gets brushed over. It’s a good start to a story but the ending will leave you a bit disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
The Orc Prince by Qua Hudson is a tender paranormal love story told with irreverent humor while teeming with tension and angst. From the outside looking in, Queen Aria appears to have everything a woman could ever need or want. She is beautiful, lives in a palace and is married to a handsome king; to the uninformed she is to be envied! However, the vile and heartless king is living a double life, his public persona in no way resembles the monster he really is, hiding behind the palace walls. When her life is endangered, Aria flees the castle and is rescued by an Orc and a wolf….an unlikely pair of saviors. When Aria crashed into his place of exile, Igor had been alone for a hundred years; he is not sure how to take this beautiful and sunny little human. What would she want from a monster like him? From this wonderful premise, Ms. Hudson has crafted a lusciously lyrical love story (sorry for the alliteration but her story is just that good)! For much of the story, Igor and Aria live an idyllic and peaceful existence as they bond and heal from the wounds inflicted by life. I anticipated the end of their peace, but the conflict comes swiftly and comprehensively and as a reader I was totally devastated by the villainy of it all. The story ended on a well-designed cliffhanger that left me satisfied, titillated and so ready for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 21, 2023
Was pleasantly surprised by The Orc Prince. Given I haven't done Orc before (not new to Monster Smut but never Orc) and how I stumbled across it, I really didn't know what to expect. Turns out it's a short yet sweet romance that will not only have you entertained but will keep you wanting more.
Starting with a miserable introduction to life, Aria finds herself stuck in an abusive relationship with some unwillingly to help and others unable to. After a public announcement by a Seer the story takes a turn and little Aria is given an ultimatum.
While I was able to predict what happens (not much takes me by surprise anymore) it was still gripping enough to have me late to work and up late trying to finish it. There seems to be a good mixture of plot and smut which I was surprised at. No fade outs but not overly done either. The main characters are also super sweet and easy to fall in love with. Oh Dove. While I would recommend checking out the triggers before diving in (abuse, torture, pregnancy, sexual content) I found this to be a highly enjoyable read that may have just saved me from a reading slump. With castles and nature, mates and forced proximity it has a little bit of everything. Be warned of cliff-hangers. Are we really going to be forced to wait for more of this sweet couple?
Starting with a miserable introduction to life, Aria finds herself stuck in an abusive relationship with some unwillingly to help and others unable to. After a public announcement by a Seer the story takes a turn and little Aria is given an ultimatum.
While I was able to predict what happens (not much takes me by surprise anymore) it was still gripping enough to have me late to work and up late trying to finish it. There seems to be a good mixture of plot and smut which I was surprised at. No fade outs but not overly done either. The main characters are also super sweet and easy to fall in love with. Oh Dove. While I would recommend checking out the triggers before diving in (abuse, torture, pregnancy, sexual content) I found this to be a highly enjoyable read that may have just saved me from a reading slump. With castles and nature, mates and forced proximity it has a little bit of everything. Be warned of cliff-hangers. Are we really going to be forced to wait for more of this sweet couple?
July 4, 2023
As a monster romance lover it's been disheartening to not find a lot of them featuring black women. Luckily I stumbled upon this beauty. Not only is it a monster romance starring a black woman but it's also written by a black woman. Praise God!!
I really enjoyed this book. It flowed really well and I liked our leads, Aria and Igor. There romance was so cute to read about. For a good portion of the book things were going good for them. Too good. So I knew shit was going to hit the fan and it did. The last hundred pages were full of angst, drama, action and betrayal.
I've read a lot of books but never have I wanted so many people to die. Literally everybody outside of our leads, Hannah, Aria's handmaid and the seer were garbage. I've never read a book where most of the characters were trash. They were all trash and I wanted them to die so badly. Especially Shepherd, Aria's piece of shit "husband" and Shamus, his general and secret lover. Also Hanser, who was supposed to be Igor's friend but betrayed him. I was so happy when they got what they deserved. My only con is I wish we would've gotten to see Hanser's death written out. Qua Hudson is a new author and this is her debut. I really enjoyed it and will be reading the second and final book in this duology.
I really enjoyed this book. It flowed really well and I liked our leads, Aria and Igor. There romance was so cute to read about. For a good portion of the book things were going good for them. Too good. So I knew shit was going to hit the fan and it did. The last hundred pages were full of angst, drama, action and betrayal.
I've read a lot of books but never have I wanted so many people to die. Literally everybody outside of our leads, Hannah, Aria's handmaid and the seer were garbage. I've never read a book where most of the characters were trash. They were all trash and I wanted them to die so badly. Especially Shepherd, Aria's piece of shit "husband" and Shamus, his general and secret lover. Also Hanser, who was supposed to be Igor's friend but betrayed him. I was so happy when they got what they deserved. My only con is I wish we would've gotten to see Hanser's death written out. Qua Hudson is a new author and this is her debut. I really enjoyed it and will be reading the second and final book in this duology.
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