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OrcFire #2

Embers Ignite

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Bound by passion, shattered by deceit . . .

Marissa
The Others have been on Earth for 25 years, but I’d never met one until the huge orc Fire Chief landed in the ICU as my patient. He’s rude, snarly, and covered in tattoos. A girl would have to be out of her mind to want someone like him, right?
I guess I’m out of my mind.

Actually, I’m obsessed.

It’s hard to see past his snarls to find the squishy guy he hides inside, but I do. One kiss leads to another, and before I know it, well, I discover he’s not snarly all the time.

Until he learns my secret. I never meant to hurt him, but now he won't have a thing to do with me.

Brokka
Being dragged through the Rift and spit out onto this planet with nothing more than the clothes on my back wasn’t the worst thing in my life. Losing everyone and everything I’d ever cared about was far more crushing.

Tender Marissa with her courage, caring, and delicious curves is the perfect reason for me to let go of my past. Until I discover our relationship is built on a lie. How can I love a woman I will never be able to trust?

Enjoy this age-gap, second-chance romance as Brokka and Marissa battle people in both their worlds, risking everything they hold dear to be together.

There’s phone s*x and much more for Marissa, who, it turns out, is a very good girl.

Written by USA TODAY Bestselling authors Alana Khan and Aria Vale, "Embers Ignite" has no cheating or cliff-hangers. Guaranteed love and happiness ever after.
Intended for Readers 18+.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2023

143 people are currently reading
119 people want to read

About the author

Alana Khan

177 books621 followers
Sexy Alien Heroes, Sassy Human Heroines, Stories That Satisfy

Alana Khan is a USA TODAY Bestselling author whose pen traverses galaxies and explores the extraordinary.

In a life as diverse as her stories, Alana boasts IMDB film credits, thrilling Harley adventures on open roads, and a stint as a professional spoon player—because, why not?

With a background as a psychotherapist, she delves into the human psyche, enriching her storytelling.

Join her on fantastical journeys through her novels, where cosmic romance and monstrous love merge with spice as hot as a Carolina Reeper chili pepper.

Sign up for Alana's free newsletter at https://alanakhan.com/

Follow me on Bookbub to be notified when my books go on sale: https://www.bookbub.com/search?search...

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5 stars
206 (53%)
4 stars
104 (27%)
3 stars
57 (14%)
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16 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
778 reviews11 followers
October 31, 2023
This character driven drama is full of romance, humor and heart! It is a must read for followers of the monster romance genre. I can’t say enough about this book! From the very first chapter, I was engaged in the story…throw in some hot alpha orcs, and this book hits a ten star read level. Marissa is an ICU nurse with an unusual patient…the orc fire chief Brokka. I loved the creativity of this series. It also spotlights the social issues of prejudice and terrorist violence. Can’t wait for Book 2. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
186 reviews2 followers
March 16, 2024
Not for me.

I think maybe I don't like this author. I stopped reading at 10%. This book started bad to me. I don't think I will read anymore
Profile Image for TigiOma.
74 reviews
October 26, 2023
25 years ago, a rift opened briefly between Earth and An’Wa. The Rift transported Orcs, Naga and other “mythical” beings to a remote desert in the Western United States. The US government moved the “Others” into what came to be called The Zone in metro Los Angeles. The Others make do despite sub-standard…well, everything. Never mind the fact that some humans, called “Purists” are more than happy to keep them behind the razor-wire-topped walls of the ghetto.

Marissa is an ICU Nurse caring for Brokka, the Orc Fire Chief who was severely burned fighting a fire. She’s never cared for an Other and pushes through her fear, telling herself he’s just another patient who needs her help. During a visit to Brokka’s fire station, she’s outraged learns that conditions in The Zone are not quite what humans have been led to believe. The hospital and clinic in The Zone are owned by the human hospital where she works. She gets backing from her also-outraged hospital medical director to get it cleaned up and meeting the same quality humans receive.

Brokka is surprised and a bit suspicious to see Marissa arrive at his Fire Station with trays of brownies. He’s touched when she is angered by the conditions in the Zone and her determination to help only fuels his attraction to her. During a visit to his home, Marissa reveals that she had secretly recorded him while speaking to his lost mate in a fever-induced delirium. Feeling betrayed and heartbroken, he sends her away. They both are still committed to restoring the Zone Hospital but otherwise, avoid each other completely. That is, until Brokka’s team is called to a terrible fire in the Children’s Ward of the human hospital. A fire that is the result of a “Purist” terrorist attack. He quickly realized that not only are six Naga children trapped, so is Marissa. She had fought her way in to rescue the Nagini who were left behind by the human fireman.

Brokka realizes he loves Marissa despite her earlier inappropriate actions, but can he reach her and the children in time to save them?
Profile Image for Vedece Barnes.
654 reviews8 followers
November 1, 2023
When one of The Others ends up in Marissa's ICU, it's her first time meeting one, a really HUGE one, but she does her job. When he starts talking in his drug induced state, instead of leaving she stays to listen and is left wanting for a love like the one he's describing.
When Brokka wakes up, he's surprised he's not in the hospital in the Zone. He must have been hurt really bad if they brought him here. He refuses to stay so they release him even though he's not healing quickly.
Since she can't stop thinking about the big male, she decides to make some brownies to take to his fire department and inquire about how he's doing. As she enters the Zone, she's appalled with the poverty she sees they're forced to live in. Arriving at the station she's shocked to see the object of her fantasies back at work.
He gives her a tour and when they end up alone, he waste no time in calling her on the reason for her visit. Her scent? How embarrassing!
Having had no interaction with Earth women, he has no idea what he said to upset her, typical male. To the joy of his crew, he decides to track her down and apologize.
As they talk she realizes that things weren't as she first thought. He's actually full of surprise and he feels the same way about her.
Is he ready to go on and let go of his past life? Can she finally have the deep emotional connection she desires? As passion blooms can they overcome betrayal, anger and the all around prejudice and unfair treatment of his people?
I love this couple and I love her strong character and the fact that she's not afraid to take a stand against whats wrong.
This series is starting out with a BANG!
Profile Image for Mary Kirkland.
774 reviews34 followers
May 20, 2025
Marissa is a nurse and Brokka comes to her hospital after he's hurt in a fire. He's an "other", an alien that came to Earth 25 years ago. The government hasn't exactly made them feel welcome in that time either and so Brokka is the first "Other" that Mariss has met. Most of the time the Others stay in their zone and aren't seen out where the humans are and they are taken to their own hospital inside the zone. But little by little the Others are being given more rights and are being seen outside the zone.

Brokka is used to humans being rude to him or being interested but cautious so after he's released and Marissa seeks him out at the Others fire department where he works, things don't go well and he knows he messed up. So he does the only thing he can think of, he goes to her and tries to apologize. After a while they start spending more time together and find that they really like each other.

When I saw the cover for this book, I thought, "Now that's an alien!" I love it when the aliens in these romance books actually look like aliens. But Brokka turns out to be quite a nice guy even though there's a huge misunderstanding between them right when things were going so good between them. But something else happens to bring their relationship back to life and I was really happy about that. These two are so different but are so made for each other. They made such a great couple and I loved the secondary characters as well. I really hope that more of the Others from the Fire Department get their books as well because I can't wait to read more of this series now.
Profile Image for Book Frawg.
105 reviews12 followers
April 22, 2025
This is good for what it is—an easy reading, lighthearted romance. It's definitely one of the better indie books I've read as far as grammar and formatting, which is huge for my enjoyment of a book. There were a small handful of typos but far enough apart that it didn't draw me out too much. Some scenes and plot points did get glossed over with a basic paragraph of description as to what happened, which was fine in some parts because it gets you to the romance faster, but there was at least one spot where it felt like a significant part of Marissa's story was rushed through and it bothered me.

My biggest issue was the third act breakup trope felt really shallow given the circumstances surrounding it , and if I'm being honest the spice toward the end was a little disappointing. It wasn't that descriptive and therefore didn't feel like it lasted very long, and it was a little cringey.

Overall I did really enjoy reading this book, and was very pleasantly surprised it was so well edited. Also—delicious cover art.
569 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2024
A big, muscley green guy with long hair and tats? Yes, Please!

I suggest reading this series in order starting with Embers Origin. Embers Ignite takes place 25 years later but many of the characters and of course the events carry on from the first book.

Embers Ignite is the 2nd book in the OrcFire series and I loved the forward time jump, it gave the story line a completely different feel since we now know the struggles and discrimination for the Others still exist all these years. Brokka was easily remembered from the 1st book as a young Orc ripped from his soulbound mate. He proves to be so very interesting as a later in life, grumpy and dominant Orc but ultimately turns out to be a teddy bear. Marissa with and her strength, sass and empathy was easy to connect with and totally relatable. Loved her spirit!

There was a nice tease letting us get to know some of the other Orcs in the fire department and I can’t wait to read their stories! I also appreciated the visit from Clair and Ashok from book 1; I always love an update about past characters in a series.

I am immediately moving on to Embers’ Melody, book 3. I highly recommend the OrcFire series; great entertainment.
Profile Image for Cynkris.
589 reviews
November 13, 2023
Brokka and Marissa.
I loved Brokka in Embers Origin so I was totally thrilled that his is the next book. My heart went out to him with his heartbreak in his mate being left behind when he was drawn through the Rift so I am really happy he gets his HEA. Marissa is an ICU Nurse so she starts out as a hero IMO. What a heart she has! This book is full of romance but it also has a strong message about caring for others (or Others). The moral statement is strong and I loved it. It also has heartache that near brought me to tears. Alana's world building and word crafting has painted a picture that I can see so clearly, as if I was standing at the fence of the Zone and looking in. Her characters, as always, are so real that I feel they could be living next door. But where she shines brightest is the story itself. She takes me on a journey that I never want to end. So good! Embers Ignite is a 10 star, 1-click buy for me. Outstanding!
696 reviews7 followers
October 23, 2023
The Others fell to Earth over 25 years ago, yet they are still fenced in in the Zone. Some humans accept, some tolerate but some hate. Marissa sees her first Orc while working at the hospital. She is intrigued and hears him speak in his language while under pain meds and she is smitten. She reaches out with pans of brownies to thank the firefighters, especially Chief Brokka. Orcs speak about sex bluntly and Brokka offends her. The apologies commence.
We see more incidents of mistreatment of the Others like overcharging for a taxi ride to outright threats like burning a building.
Alana guides these two through learning of each other's cultures, danger, angst, humor, and steam. She is an amazing storyteller and tackles subjects that remind us to do better in our own lives. I always look forward to reading her work.
Profile Image for Stefany.
40 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2023
The story of aliens landing in the Mojave is everyone's nightmare or fervent wish. This is the story in 4 installments of several of those who landed or came from those who landed. It is NOT the "aliens landing" story you expect. The characters are well written and you will easily be drawn into the plight of the Others. Sad commentary on what would likely be the case if beings from another planet, galaxy, plane of existence actually did end up on Earth. However, this author excels at ensuring that your investment in the characters is rewarded, giving them (and you) the HEA we all want and you will be smiling at how the grumpy older orc and the enthusiastic young woman work together.
Profile Image for Michelle.
484 reviews2 followers
December 11, 2023
Brokka makes my heart sing. He is the broken-hearted big guy that left his mate behind when he was taken through the rift in Ember's Origin. 25 yrs later he meets someone who helps me move forward and love again. This book shows how true devotion to the one you love and lost, whether in death or a rift stealing you (LOL) can be hard to overcome but yet those we have lost would not want us to stay alone without love. How does one deal with that loss and separation and how do you move forward with someone new? Our MFC is a perfect match for him. I'm so happy this was the first MC to get his HEA!
Profile Image for Lisa Bing.
6,236 reviews70 followers
December 17, 2023
This was a wonderful romance for fab characters. Nurse Marissa is crushing after orc firefighter, Brokka, after helping him heal at the hospital she works at. In amongst prejudice and terrorist actions, these two work their way through their different cultures, danger and angst to be together. However, a secret of hers really sets Brokka off and everything is at risk. I loved seeing them find their way and was thrilled they got their HEA, despite the many challenges facing them. This series is very engaging and reflects so much of what's going on in the world right now, that the truths in it really hit the heart hard, even with the humour and steam. Well done!
Profile Image for Andi Downs.
1,459 reviews14 followers
October 28, 2023
Another new series of those wonderfully sexy, green guys! :D I just love any Orc tale and this did not disappoint. I enjoyed their meeting and then the revelation from Marissa. Brokka was valid in his feelings, and they both had to work at bridging the gap with building trust.
An enjoyable read from this talented lady and I look forward to more in this series.
I did receive an ARC and only too happy to read and review. I have been collecting her books for some time and very happy to be part of her ARC team.
Profile Image for Esmeralda Silva Tenazinha.
1,052 reviews16 followers
October 30, 2023
I loved this first book in the fire Orcs universe. Brokka and Marissa are a perfect example if a true relationship, it wasn't easy, it wasn't love at first sigth, it was a love that grow with them. Sure there are a lot of drama and dificulties but that is just the way off life. The base of this storie is very interesting with this strange rift event and I'm very intrigued but a lot of other chatecters Orcs and others. There could be a wolven Police series too. So Many options just show that this is a great new universe.
Profile Image for Merry One Maria.
2,327 reviews10 followers
December 30, 2023
A sweet story for Marissa and Brokka

This is book two and it takes us into the future in the Zone. I thought things might be better for both humans and orcs, but struggles remain. Marissa is a beautiful person and helps the orcs in the Zone. Brokka is injured and burned so he ends up in the human side hospital. Marissa is a nurse on duty and not a purist so she is good to treat the orc Brokka’s burns and injuries. Marissa recognizes Brokka’s good heart and decides to bring him brownies after he leaves the hospital to see if he is open to the thoughts of them. Read On!
1,467 reviews3 followers
July 13, 2025
Wow! This is an amazing story! Marissa falls for the Orc fire chief named Brokka when, as a nurse, she is his patient. Brokka meets Marissa when she comes to the Others fire house to bring him some desserts. There is one thing she didn't tell him when he was her patient. They start a relationship but there is a roadblock that almost breaks them up for good. When they rekindle their relationship, they both find the love they deserve and both work to make the Others hospital and living conditions better.
87 reviews2 followers
October 25, 2023
Marissa, a feisty ICU nurse, meets Brokka, an unconscious Orc fire chief,when he becomes her patient after being severely injured while fighting a fire. Never interacting with an Other before, Marissa finds herself intrigued by his differences. Will what starts as an attraction be derailed by cultural misunderstandings, communication issues, secrets and a deadly anti-alien terrorist group? A great start to a new series.
Profile Image for Anne.
201 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2023
Arc review

Actual rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶🌶

I loved this story. Marissa and Brokka's journey is a really great one. I love their chemistry, and the tension between them is palpable.
The burn is quite slow, but once it gets going, it's hot! Particularly one late night phone call 🥵

The world building and sub-plot it really interesting. I hope to read more about it in the future.
Kam and his bad jokes are awesome!

I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,201 reviews
November 27, 2023
The author did an excellent job reconciling the old love with the new one. I understand why Marissa fell in love with Brokka. Even I wouldn't be immune to that kind of devotion.

I loved our MCs. There was that awkwardness at the beginning where both couples were bound to make mistakes, to cause misunderstandings and heartbreak. But they got through that because they talked, did what they could, and chose to love each other.
1,394 reviews7 followers
October 17, 2023
This is a very emotional story of finding unexpected love in an unusual place. There are conflicts of course, some due to misunderstandings and some due to prejudice. It’s a time of letting go of things holding them back.There will be times that you smile and also times that you’ll cry. Overall, it will be a book that touches your heart. Have your Kleenex handy!
106 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2023
Ignite is appropriate as this was a slow burn until the sparks flew between the two main characters and they went up in flames of steaminess! I'm usually not a fan of second chance romance, but I think I've been converted. The way Brokka allowed himself closure and the right to move on with Marissa was sweet to see. Great story and even better characters! Would recommend.
60 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2023
I love Marissa and Brokka!! I love Alana Khan and the way she weaves an amazing story with even more amazing characters! I can never leave her stories once I start and this one was no exception! I finished it in one sitting and I highly recommend this whole series!

I am leaving my honest review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
478 reviews5 followers
November 30, 2023
An Orc firefighter is severely injured and sent to a local hospital where the treating doctor here's his love filled fever dreams and becomes smitten. Can an Orc whose lost his first fated mate open his heart to new love? Read this book and come along with an emotional journey filled with lots of tears, laughter, and love.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
January 22, 2024
The second story in the OrcFire another engaging story. Marissa and Brokka the orc Fire Chief meet when he ends up in her ICU as her patient. An age-gap, second-chance, steamy, enemies to lovers romance. The story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest. I will be reading the next book. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Amy.
311 reviews3 followers
October 3, 2024
3.5 stars. I liked this one more than the first! Once again though, I wish it had been a bit longer. After their reconciliation, we skipped forward weeks. I wish we had seen the process of reconciling and their conversations during that time. Overall, I enjoyed this couple a lot! I felt so bad for Brokka during book 1 but am so happy he found a way to move forward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Robin Ann.
1,401 reviews3 followers
September 10, 2025
Igniting an Interspecies Love

She fell in love with his voice but after getting to know him, she fell for him. He insulted her when they first met but he made up for it. As a firefighter, he burned for her and as a nurse, she healed his heart. Together they worked towards their HEA.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Chappell.
1,444 reviews21 followers
December 11, 2023
Interesting couple in this book in the series. I liked the age gap and the good girl. I read this in one sitting and enjoyed every minute. The others books in the series are wonderful too. Highly recommended.
116 reviews
December 27, 2023
Grumpy sunshine orcish deliciousness

This is a great story. The whoe world created here dealing with all the prejudices against Others is an insightful look into our own culture. Intertwining that with a sweet story of a second chance mate is wonderful.
Author 6 books17 followers
January 2, 2024
Good read, I could have done without the Fifty Shades being brought up. It's just not my thing..so I was just so so about the story. Even though it never went into technical that area. Maybe that's why it fell flat for me?..talk and no fallow through..lol nope still not my thing.
1,646 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2024
Good read

Marissa is a nurse in the truest since of the word. She meets Brokka when he is in the hospital. She then visits him at the firehouse where he works. After that she visits the hospital in the zone ( for Others). Then the story takes off. Enjoy
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