Viridescent: A Billionaire Orc Romance

by Cara Wylde

He is powerful, wealthy, he owns half of New York. He has politicians in his pocket, builds schools in faraway places, and donates to charity. His name is on everyone’s lips. Zeno Voland.No one has ever seen his face.Who is he?When I’m hired as Mr. Voland’s executive assistant, I realize the real question is…What is he?I’ve worked for many monsters before, but it didn’t prepare me for this one. Oh, and the job? It turns out to be something else entirely.

Genres: Paranormal

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2023

About the author

Cara Wylde loves to write about strong, feisty women and their hot Alphas who will do anything to make them happy. Her books are filled with romance and just a dash of mystery, suspense, and that eerie atmosphere she fell in love with reading too many gothic novels. With a master's degree in Comparative Literature, she can't help but play with tropes and themes from various genres, trying to come up with fresh perspectives on the paranormal characters her readers love so much. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, witches... Cara will always make sure they get their own twists.

When she's not writing, Cara is reading, planning her next story, or daydreaming. Her idea of pure heaven is a day filled with nothing but her laptop, a huge coffee pot, relaxing music, and a new, exciting project.

Reviews

[Karen Nastasio · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed emotions about this book and at first i was enjoying it and when it changed I got a little lost about how someone so rich like Zeno Voland who has never been seen before and has all this power and then his new personal assistant Joanna Carmichael who is good at what she does and lands the dream job seems to be flat broke and can bearly get by but is successful and then there her parents who are snobs and are very well off and have an image they care about but leave there daughter battling. But overall I did enjoy the romance and and I lol when Joanna’s cat Mr fussy Cuddles meets her boss Zeno for the first time was a brilliant piece of writing and I loved it. Joanna best friend Georgia who is a media influencer are total opposites but work well together and are very protective of each other. There is so many things happening in this book that you will enjoy and others that are confusing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laura Moylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna Carmichael gets a job as the Jane of All trades, admin assistant, etc., for her new client- Zeno Voland, who is possibly the richest man in the world. However, no one knows what he looks like. Her parents- Jack & Heidi, are stuck up, annoying but were the beginning of self help and gurus in that field and spent most of Joanna’s life growing up on tours for their books, etc. Joanna or Jo will be taking care of travel, planning events, scheduling meetings, etc., 24-7, 365, working all sorts of hours that would change constantly. Jo wants to work these types of jobs because then she can save money so that she can do what she really wants to do, once she has enough money.

I adore her cat, Mr. Fussy Cuddles. Her bestie is Georgia or Ginger Baby who is a social media influencer. When those two women get together- being opposites and all, it gets crazy funny. I love how they root for each other and are always there for each other. Her new boss’ bodyguard is known as The Guardian. He gave me the creeps. Zeno is so cool and sweet, however, there is a reason for the pix on the cover of the book- yup, that’s Zeno, he looks like an orc. Of course, Jo freaks a bit when they first meet- who wouldn’t?

However, just like they say don’t judge a book by its cover, the same should be said about people. Zeno is a nice guy- really. I felt bad for what he has gone through in his life. There is so much stuff going on in this book! Total roller coaster of emotion. I laughed my butt off when circumstance causes the cat and orc to meet. I almost fell out of bed.

I love how the supernatural comes into play in the latter part of the book and how everything is explained. My heart broke for what Zeno had to go thru. I love how Jo slowly falls for Z. It is just so cute, plus how excited he is to see her every day. I wouldn’t be able to function with her hours. I’d never fall asleep. Too much stuff going on. I’d need to be put on ambien or something. Lol. The fight scenes and the steamy scenes were awesome.

I hope that there will be more books that includes the characters that I’ve fallen in love with in this book. I want to see something happen between the Soldier and Ginger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Viridescent is an oddity of a book. It has a bunch of elements that don’t quite cohere or that don’t make sense. In one way, it’s a contemporary monster romance—but then halfway through, it veers into a paranormal/fantasy romance. And there are major discrepancies with our protagonists, Jo and Zeno.

Jo’s supposed to be an experienced executive assistant—experienced enough to get a job with Zeno, the richest man around. But she’s living in a barebones, rundown apartment like she’s a starving artist. I’ve known several executive assistants in my life, and they’re not broke—they make decent salaries. On top of which, Jo’s parents, while distant and unfeeling, are rich. They wouldn’t set up their daughter to live well, particularly when they’re concerned about appearances? Even after she’s been working for Zeno for a while, Jo doesn’t move into a better apartment. None of this made sense to me.

Meanwhile, Zeno is supposed to be a billionaire with multiple businesses who also happens to be an orc (hey, the cover gives this away). Again—I couldn’t reconcile this. If no one can see him because he’s the only orc in the world, how the heck did he create his business empire? I can’t believe that someone could do this from scratch without ever seeing anyone in person. It would have been a lot better if he had been the one to come from wealthy parents, instead of Jo. It would have justified how he grew his fortune to be the world’s largest.

The first half of this book reads like the recent trend in monster romance of having monsters as part of our contemporary society. But since Zeno’s the only monster we see this in the world, it seemed odd. His bodyguard was cryptically called The Guardian, and his trainee was The Soldier. Really? These guys couldn’t get names? And then, seemingly on a dime, the story switches into paranormal/fantasy romance mode from a contemporary feel, and that was completely jarring and introduced wild new aspects to the story with no hint of them earlier.

I felt like there were several different good short romances in Viridescent that were all stitched together. Alas, it didn’t work for me. Wylde’s written some fun books that I’ve enjoyed, so I’ll chalk this one up as a misstep and look forward to her next book instead.

[Destynnee Realta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Their connection and the bond they’d forged through so many nights by each other’s side had led him straight to her when it mattered the most.
Zeno

Viridescent
A Billionaire Orc Romance
By Cara Wylde
353 pages
Currently on Kindle Unlimited in the USA.
Publication date August 26th, 2023
carawylde.com
a.co/d/1rull6I

I received a copy of this book from Book Sprout and the Author, and this is my review.

Please, watch out for possible spoilers, including but not limited to, TW/CN/Etc.

Possible TW, Tropes, and Genres
Mature, Explicit, Novel, Romance, Paranormal, Monsters, HEA, Death, Death of a parent (mostly off page), Attempted SA by a Side Character, Drugging MMC, Bareback, Boss/Employee Relationship, Violence, Kidnapping (kinda), and possibly more.

If you enjoy
HEA
Paranormal Romance
Orcs
Billionaire Romance,
A bit of a mystery
Then this is for you.

There is a lot more to this, than just a Boss/Employee, Billionaire Orc Paranormal Romance, and that in and of itself is a mouthful. There is also a little bit of a mystery going on, and a good bit of violence. Just know, if you are expecting a lot of smut, smut doesn't happen till about 50% of the way through the book. Which isn't a bad thing, just something to remember when waiting for that first kiss.


I do wish the ending of one character would of taken longer, and maybe even an actual fight. I'm all for ending things quickly when need be, but this just seemed to be to fast.

Also, learning about who was killed, was actually killed by that person, calls into play the MMC saying he had only killed one person before. If both killings were done by him, he would of actually killed two…

Learning more about how/why his berserk happened that night, of all nights, would of, I think added to the mystery that was already ongoing. Maybe Cara will do another book in this universe and touch on this… Truthfully, there are a few things I wish Cara would of touched on, more, or at all really.

Over all, I loved the plot, the MMC Zeno the FMC Jo, Gin, the cat! FUCK I loved the cat. Along with a few other characters, that I really wish we would or gotten more of.

There is a LOT going on in these 353 pages, at times it almost seemed like too much.

Would I read this again? Possibly.
Would I recommend this? Yes.

4 / 5 stars
-Destynnee

[Kimberlea Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s More To This Orc Than Meets The Eye

If you love Orcs, but you also crave a contemporary setting, then you NEED this book. Zeno is the Orc MMC that I didn’t know I needed in my life 🙌🏻 Jo, our FMC, takes a job for Zeno as his assistant, but it becomes clear that her job isn’t exactly what she thought it’d be 🤔 This story is definitely a slow burn, but around half way through the book, things sure do speed up, and not just concerning Jo & Zeno’s relationship. There is danger, magic, and plenty of twist & turns to keep things interesting, as well as a beautifully sweet chemistry & connection we get to see unfold between Jo & Zeno. Too bad there are even more obstacles that Jo & Zeno will have to overcome before a HEA is even a possibility. Neither Jo, nor Zeno were expecting each other, but sometimes that’s when the best thing to ever happen to you finds its way into your life. I certainly wouldn’t mind having a Zeno in my life 😍 Wanna know why??? Read the book & you’ll see for yourself 😉💚

I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout, and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jo (h), an aspiring artist, embarks on a new job as an executive assistant for Zeno (H), a wealthy and mysterious man, whom Jo comes to find out is an orc with a need for special services from her. Jo steps into her role, building a professional relationship with Zeno despite her underlying nervousness. Over time, their interactions become more intimate, as Zeno's kindness and thoughtfulness touch her deeply. Despite their differences, Jo's attraction to Zeno grows, leading to a passionate encounter between them. However, their budding relationship takes a complex turn when it's revealed that Zeno struggles with an uncontrollable violent alter ego that emerges periodically, casting a shadow of danger and unpredictability over their romance. As Jo delves deeper into Zeno's world, she becomes entangled in his past and confronts a web of supernatural forces, including the enigmatic Guardian and a mysterious figure named Lord Vanderwing. A story of unexpected attractions, danger, and magic told through intriguing characters, steamy encounters, and a touch of suspense.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I liked this one was a little weird but made you keep reading it weird way so we Jo an artist working as an executive assistant to a mysterious man one of kind wealthy orc, doing her role well building a relationship with her boss one that neither of them saw anticipated and both seem to welcome the friendship as well as the work relationship. Zeno sexy as all get out orc one of a kind not seen by many, want to be seen by many enjoys his new assist and the more time they spend working together the closer they grow. Zeno is a sweet heart especially in dealing with her but Zeno we learned has a few issues it appears he has several different personality and they aren’t so nice and can be dangerous, unpredictable, tad bit violent which give Jo cause but also makes her want to dig into his past but runs into some supernatural forces meeting characters that explain but when they come face to face with betrayals, where will it leave them standing, will they be together, will he get a handle on his different personalities, and where are they headed to happiness?

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Orc Book!

I loved this book! Its different since its not like the MC, Zeno, was actually part of an Orc family, but he was born of human parents. Against all odds, he started a company and is now one of the richest people in the world, albeit with a lonely life since only a couple of people actually know what he is. When Zeno is in need of a new personal assistant, he puts Jo thru multiple interviews. Jo, who is the daughter of a couple self-help millionaires wants to do things on her own and is working as a PA until she can make enough to do what she loves to do which is paint. Initially after meeting Zeno, she is terrified, but he is really good to her. She tries to keep their life strictly business, but slowly it develops into more. Zeno’s life hasn’t been great since he has to chain himself up every night. And then there is the Dark Lord who has been planning his revenge on Zeno for YEARS.

Loved this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeno Voland is a billionaire, and Joanna Carmichael is determined to be hired on as his new executive assistant. She has spent her career as an assistant to various rich and powerful members of New York society, but this job could help her reach her goal and devote her life to her true passion. Joanna had worked for questionable people before, but nothing could have prepared her for her first meeting with Zeno Voland. To say he was nothing like she expected would be an understatement.
Fascinating, well written and unique characters. Joanna and Zeno ae wonderful characters who quicky develop feelings for each other and their interactions are always entertaining, and sometimes steamy. Some exciting action, violence, betrayal, magic, and a happily ever after. This is an unusual retelling of a classic fairytale, and I highly recommend it to other readers. Fantastic book!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best paranormal romance that I’ve read this year!! And I am a voracious reader. Authors like Finley Fenn and Celeste King write excellent Orc romances, but this year, Wylde tops those two fabulous authors with this novel. The only thing I will share are the characters names and how they come to meet. Zeno is a billionaire who is in need of a personal assistant +, so, in steps Joanna who has lots of experience as a PA of wealthy clients. Their relationship is entirely professional, until it wasn’t. This is a slow burn romance between two emotionally stranded individuals. The story is filled with mystery, action, violence, friends, betrayal, magic, and a pet cat 🐈.
Enjoy this poignant, sometimes frightening, romance. It’s too wonderful to put into words. Worth more than 5 stars ✨. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Goddess of Chaos · Rating 4 out of 5]

"...people were rarely as simple and straightforward as they seemed at first glance,"

When Joanna takes a job as an assistant to a wealthy, reclusive, executive she discovers his life is so private and guarded for a good, if unexpected, reason.

Zeno doesn't trust many people. It ought to make it easy to figure out who is trying to turn his life upside down and why -- but life is often more complex than it seems at first glance.

This done in one Kindle unlimited quick read has some fun supporting characters, a great thread about the forms strength takes in our lives, and is a page turning read about looking past the surface to get to know the true person.

I read Viridescent in Kindle unlimited and chose to share my thoughts.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viridescent is an excellent Paranormal Romance that brings the reader along on an engagingly written multifaceted journey of magic, adventure, subterfuge, and romance that you will think is going one way until it takes a whole different imaginative path.
Quite the captivating narrative unfolds as Joanna and Zeno the leads of this immersive story will definitely keep the reader involved and riveted as do a cast of characters who make it all come together.
I really enjoyed this standalone book as I’m sure other readers will too!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The orcs were my favorite stories from this author, but this one is different. It's a modern-day Orc. I think I liked the old orcs best.

This modern-day Orc has a complicated life. Lonely too but it got interesting when the FMC showed up. I almost thought that they would never have a happy ending and I looked up to the page and saw that there are still some remaining pages. I was keeping my fingers crossed for their happy ending. It was violent, but they did fight for their happy ending. He still remained an enigma at the end, but he got what he needed in his arms.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was longer than normal but worth it. I really loved the storyline and getting to know the characters. No one has ever seen Veno Voland. Jo is hired as his executive assistant and she will finally get to see what he looks like. Veno is a contemporary business Orc. Veno is so sweet and Jo is a girl of all trades. I really like the characters and their chemistry is pretty steamy. There is attraction between Jo and Veno with danger, suspense, and magic. (Watch out for the evil Character) Great story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zeno and Jo's Story . . .

Joanna Carmichael accepts a position as executive assistant to the mysterious wealthy Zeno Voland, who aside being one of the richest men in the world, is also enormously generous in helping others. But he is not a public figure that people would recognize. Joanna had worked with wealthy clients in the past, and her own parents were well-known, so she was comfortable applying for this job. But meeting him was still startling. As they get to know each other, will a relationship begin between them? Will unforeseen obstacles keep them apart? Or will they fight for the chance to find happiness together?

[Beckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh, I loves me a good cinnamon roll monster 🥰
One who can be a dangerous beast to some, but an absolute sweetie to his woman. That is Zeno Voland. Powerful and wealthy, yet no one has ever met him or knows what he looks like. When Joanna is hired as his personal assistant, she finds that the man, and the job is not at all what she expected! Add in a bit of steam and a dash of danger and you have an enthralling read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elisa Castro · Rating 5 out of 5]

it conquers all

Viridescent by author Cara Wylde. So this is a standalone read - yet if the author wanted it could be a series lots of characters with potential for their own story.
Anywho, back to Viridescent, this is an absolutely thrilling read- it has all the suspense and drama that you crave. Along with just enough spiciness to keep you wanting. There’s a bad evil character- the good guys and a hero. It’s a fairytale with all the right elements and more.
Enjoy!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story actually I love all of these authors stories wether they are short or full length novels and this story is about Joanne who goes through a lot of interviews to work for Zeno she doesn’t even know what he looks like but she has been willing to jump through hoops to work for him but this job leads to so much more. Fantastic story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend this book.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fab story by this author and this one brings together human gal, Joanna, and orc male, Zeno. These two never expected to be attracted to each other but their feelings grew and caught ;P Expect a wild reading ride with danger, drama, action, suspense, magic and steamy romance to have you fully engaged in the outcome. Jo and Zeno were fascinating characters and I loved following them along to their HEA :D

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although this was not my favorite book of Cara Wylde, I am still a big fan. This book was way too long, way too repetitive, and really disconnected. This story could have and probably should have be told in 40% less. Not all the characters were interesting. Not for me. Everybody can have a one off and this is Cara's.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. It has plenty of steam and drama. Along with mystery, danger, romance, friendship, loyality and a happily-ever-after. A love story where two very different people had many hurdles to over come , mostly the paranormal community where a dark evil angel wanted Zeno to suffer using his love for his assistant and now girlfriend, Joanna.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Billionaire-Boss-Romance, Except He’s An Orc…

Joanna applies to be the executive assistant to Voland, a mysterious billionaire. But getting the job is only the first part of the adventure. This story has plenty going on, including a slow burn romance, secrets and tension, plus old enemies emerging from the past. I enjoyed this full story, how it transitioned from a simple romance to a fantastic action plot (no spoilers!). A great read.

[Shawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

just didn’t get it

I just did not get it. So much of this book left me confused. It was hard to follow in some parts and others just didn’t make sense. She talks early on about having worked for monsters before like it was something normal but then why is this guy hiding what he was. And the whole him being the only one but yet they were all born from humans stuff didn’t make sense to me. Just didn’t do it for me. It may be someone else’s cup of tea.

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Joanne succeeds in getting the job as Zeno's personal assistant, she has no idea that she is about to enter a world she never thought existed. Who is this elusive Billionaikre? And why does he seem to have so many enemies? Will love win the day or will Lord Vanderwing manage to destroy him? Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Joanna gets the job as Zenos PA, everything she thought she new begins to unravel for humans arent alone in this world and her job just became more complicated. well written steamy orc/human, billionaire/employee romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Janet Smith McHardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Joanna becomes Zenos PA. She knows the job will challenge her, but the challanges are not what she expected. Her reclusive boss is an enigma. Incredibly sweet to her but very dangerous.
This is a great read I love Joanna and her BFF is fun. Zeno just melts my heart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book is a slow burn, get to know the characters part. Then you have a sudden plot twist and the pace picks up rapidly.
Jo is annoying at first, but she kinda grows on you. Zeno is interesting. You will feel sorry for how he must live his life.
In all, is a good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This billionaire Orc romance has some interesting twists, a great storyline, and intriguing characters. Although this slow burn romance is a standalone I hope we get more books about the other characters we met. I look forward to reading more books by this author in the future. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great billionaire orc romance.. I liked it very much.. It is dangerous and fascinating, with magic and mystery..Amazing characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna is interviewing for a new position and she is certain she is the right person for the position. Zeno is rich, powerful and very private. The job might be a bit more than she bargained for, but she sticks it out.
I really enjoyed these two and their slow burn. Her BFF is awesome also.