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Bellhaven Clan #5

Her Orc Husband

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This arranged marriage is my last hope for a better future.

The city’s best matchmaker has all but despaired over me and my brother is threatening to throw me on the street if I don’t find a husband soon.

But the revulsion I feel every time anyone touches me has made it impossible for me to find a good match. All men want a willing wife in their bed, not a wretch who cringes away from the slightest brush of skin against skin.

The man who finally chooses me is not human at all. He’s an orc with long black hair, green skin, and more muscles than anyone could possibly need. He says I’m his mate.

All my life, I’ve done what others wanted, but now I have a choice. To remain here at my brother’s mercy or leave for the orc kingdom.

And for once, I’m willing to head into the unknown.

Her Orc Husband is an orc fantasy romance and features an orc hero who would rather spend time in his library than court a human and a heroine who will learn to enjoy closeness again. You’ll like it if you enjoy reading about size difference issues, grumpy heroes, and timid heroines who bloom in the right environment. This is a Bellhaven Clan story but can be read as a standalone with a full HEA.

198 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

370 people are currently reading
768 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Ashwood

42 books914 followers
Zoe Ashwood writes sexy paranormal romance for women who believe in magic and true love.

She's in love with the art of making up stories - and making her characters fall in love.

Get a FREE orc romance by joining her newsletter !

You can also find her on: Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest.

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5 stars
1,117 (41%)
4 stars
971 (36%)
3 stars
507 (18%)
2 stars
71 (2%)
1 star
17 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
Profile Image for Rain.
2,586 reviews21 followers
August 26, 2023
Now I need to go back and read the others in the series!

Sweet love story between a shy human and a giant but gentle librarian orc.

Arranged marriage
An observant and patient groom
A please-don’t-touch-me bride
Low drama, low angst
High steam

“I will give you as many babies as you’d like,” he murmurs. “And we’ll have fun making them, too.”
Profile Image for RLbooks (in and out).
994 reviews480 followers
June 29, 2023
I'm so glad that I picked up Violet (h) and Marut's (H) book, it was sweet, steamy, and just hit the spot. I had been unhappy with a couple of the prior books, but this one didn't fall into the same patterns. Marut tells Violet from the moment they meet at the matchmaker's office that she's his mate and he wants to be with her. While I consider this a low angst story, it does take time for Violet and Marut to settle into their relationship because Violet has a touch aversion (she was touched non-consensually in the past but in a limited way and this is only vaguely discussed). Marut was all that was patient but also very present and ready to tempt Violet to deepen their relationship. This is a character and relationship focused romance so no big plot or action-based scenes. Written in first person, single POV of h. No ow/om drama, H was not a virgin (his history's not shared but h does get jealous over how he learned some of his moves), and h was a virgin.

I found both characters to be likable and I esp loved that Violet wasn't immediately comfortable with Marut just because he was her mate. There's a progression that occurs, even if it's not the longest progression. Most of the story is them on the road, but they start off in Violet's city and then they're traveling before arriving at the orclands. The steamy times do begin while they're on the road and Marut was surprisingly a very dirty talker. He's got a grumpy reputation, even if he's not grumpy towards Violet, but he's also bookish and I don't know it surprised me. The orcs in this world have size difference and a knot going on, in addition to lots of fluids. There's also some breeding kink happening so all of this combined means explicit spiciness.

Overall this was a great afternoon read with no major conflict. There is a bit of closure about Violet's family but I honestly was a bit confused about why it was included because it fell sort of flat to me. However, I did like that the scene highlights a prior side character with a hint towards their romance. The other orcs are great side characters and I love the clan atmosphere, along with the human mates already there. I loved the acceptance and respect of Violet's needs also, even though the orcs were very touchy culturally. Of course Marut was prepared to give her whatever she needed. The epilogue was funny and then adorable, less than a year later, with a birth scene and new family time. It was a very satisfying way to close their story.
Profile Image for ❀ Jess ( Semi hiatus ).
873 reviews95 followers
June 6, 2023
Marut is so careful with Violet, it’s so sweet
But there are moments where he opens his mouth and says things that have me gasping and clutching my pearls ! When it first happened it felt so out of place 😂

I really liked these characters and the story was still very enjoyable even tho I typically prefer dual POV. It was short,cute, spicy and had little to no angst.







*Possible mild spoilers*
There are two instances in the story where Violet feels jealousy, first at the thought of Marut being with someone else and second at how he learned to pleasure so well. So while I’m thankful that this didn’t go into any of Marut’s past experiences cos they don’t matter anyway 💅🏻 I’m mentioning it because I’m a firm believer in equality so I wanted Marut to have at least a scene where he’s experiencing some jealousy too.
Profile Image for Christy.
900 reviews38 followers
June 23, 2023
He's an orc librarian. I have never turned into more of a fangirl than when we saw that his room was COVERED in books (right next to this huge, underground library btw.) And his first gift to her is all the books she wants. 😢 If the idea and understanding that something like this is attractive THEN WHY HASNT IT HAPPENED TO ME? WHEN IS IT MY TIME, GOD? WHEN DOES YOUR LIGHT SHINE UPON ME?

Sorry. This hit a sore cord for me. (But I want to be completely frank with myself. If I lived in this world, 110% I would have been killed in a famine. I'm a realist.)
Profile Image for Poppy || Monster Lover.
1,807 reviews501 followers
October 12, 2024
3.5 stars
What I liked:
Marut’s compassion and patience when it came to her agoraphobia
Marut giving her control over sexual interactions

What I didn’t like:
How little time was spent addressing the root causes of both of their trauma
How quickly she adjusted to touch from Marut - I think it would have been more meaningful if it had taken more time for her to trust him with touch beyond hand holding

I would have liked more of a redemption arc for Marut, since he was such an asshole in the previous book. Maybe some talk between brothers about their shitty father and the child abuse they both experienced.

Spice: 3/5

Triggers: agoraphobia, PTSD, brief discussion of CSA, discussion of father beating child, financial abuse, childbirth
Profile Image for Niki {Still a Widow but reading more}.
809 reviews345 followers
August 30, 2024
3.5 Stars rounded up.

I can't lie I'm loving this Orc series. They're quick reads with sweet and devoted Orcs. There's also enough conflict and stuff going on to keep it interesting and engaging. I didn't like Marut in Korr's book, but he redeemed himself well I thought. I love how he turned really dominant. Even when he was letting Violet take the lead. I didn't expect that. Also, I liked the contrast where Marut has Violet who is the virgin and has a mental/anxiety issue while on the other hand his twin Korr was the one who was a virgin and had a trauma anxiety issue in his book with Ivy.

On the whole, I enjoyed it but it did seem shorter and a little rushed. A lot of their features were glossed over. It was mentioned numerous times Marut had multiple braids but nothing much more than that. I kept thinking the whole book, was he wearing them in long pigtail braids or what? It kind of annoyed me. Also, the situation with Violet's brother left me with many unanswered questions. (I was hoping something was going to come up and her brother and his family were going to move into the village close by so she would be close to her nephews whom she loves, and they love her. I thought surely the weird situation the brother got himself into was leading to something like this, but nothing happened). Then we never got to see Marut and Violet settled in and working together in the library, or even got to know what job she ends up taking in the clan. I thought with her ability to be around children she would make a good teacher or have story time in the library where she reads to the kids. To close it out, it was pretty insta-love, with the "I love you"s popping up out of nowhere.

Like I said, I really liked Marut and Violet. I loved seeing her take back her power. It just felt cut short and rushed and I was really bummed about that. I still enjoyed it and the series so far and can't wait to read the next one.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
3,686 reviews328 followers
September 27, 2023
3.5 stars. I enjoyed myself but wanted something a little deeper.

We get a heroine with some trauma and a hate for touch and it feels like that is too easily handled.

We get a bookish hero with glasses and that's also not explored enough.

I love the idea of Mara and the captain. We haven't gotten a female orc yet!
Profile Image for spidermse.
314 reviews50 followers
July 15, 2025
Rereading my favorite orc series and I loved this as much as I did the first time I read it a year ago. Marut is the sweetest, and I'm so glad he got his little redemption story. I secretly liked him in the other stories even when he was being a jerk. 😆

He was so supportive and patient with Violet. But not surprising with these orc males. It was a bit more of a slow burn because of Violet's aversion to being touched. But that didn't stop the tension and spice! And once she was comfortable with him touching her...the spice was spicin!

Can I have a sweet, orc mate that offers to buy me all the books I want?
Profile Image for Elena Rodríguez.
1,192 reviews491 followers
August 5, 2023
Reseña breve: Sí y no. Me he quedado con la miel en los labios. Siento que me esperaba algo más.

PD: la portada no me gusta absolutamente nada.
Profile Image for Cristina.
1,566 reviews275 followers
August 27, 2023
This one was cute! Although it’s a short read, we definitely see some great scenes between the MCs.
I just wished there would’ve been more but overall a nice read.
Profile Image for Angie.
1,398 reviews234 followers
May 15, 2023
"You can kiss me anytime. And touch me. I am yours, Violet, and you can have me any way you want me."

5 stars!

Holy hotness, Violet and Marut! This is definitely my favorite of the series so far, and I'm so happy that Marut was redeemed and found his mate. We first met Marut in his brother Korr's story where he was painted as the villain. I loved being able to delve into his character more in this novel and see him find his HEA with his mate. He was such an amazing blend of a doting mate to Violet and a nerdy, bookish hero who was content to hole up in the library for days. He was so patient and understanding with Violet's dislike of physical touch, while still managing to have some of the steamiest scenes!! Seriously, y'all have been warned🔥🔥 I cannot wait for more in this series!

Tropes: fated mates, orc romance, bookish hero, shy heroine, arranged marriage, size difference, opposites attract, dirty talk, breeding, knotting, STEAMY🔥

*ARC provided by the author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
Profile Image for Kait.
1,401 reviews229 followers
May 19, 2023
I’m swooning! I loved this so freaking much 😍

Marut is such a gentle giant. I love how considerate he is of Violet’s aversion to touch and just her feelings in general. Ahh I can’t even put into words how amazing he is. He might be my favorite Orc written by Zoe.

Violet is so sweet. I loved watching her grow and thrive with Marut. Their mutual obsession with books was adorable! And now knowing his job.. they’re so cute.

It’s honestly cracks me up that they were never supposed to meet or be matched. They are so perfect for each other.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Krista.
1,121 reviews30 followers
July 9, 2023
3.75 stars- its a sweet story with not much angst. It is insta but I think it was handled in a creative way. The heroine doesn't like to be touched so he had to be creative and patient :)

I didn't think the drama with her brother added to the story, or it wasn't enough drama to count. It was just a gentle easy story of 2 people getting to know each other while travelling.

It's gently humorous:
“But if you could just arrange for us to meet?” I (Violet) press gently.
She pins me with a stern glare. “He is only in town for one more day. There really isn’t enough time.”
I narrow my eyes. “If the match is good, surely we would know within the first hour. We wouldn’t need a day to decide.”
Mrs. Pimms blots her letter with fast, efficient moves. “He has rejected every one of the young ladies I paraded in front of him.”
That, more than anything, makes me determined to meet him. “Ah, a kindred soul,” I quip. “Perhaps the stars will align—”
and
“Children?” Mrs. Pimms barks.
“My dear, surely you aren’t thinking—no, of course you aren’t. Young ladies such as yourself are so sheltered. Oh, how do I explain this? To have children, you’d need to, uh, touch Mr. Marut, and he’d…”

They bond over the long road to his kingdom, Violet becoming more bold with Marut:
"I squeeze my eyes shut, then force myself to meet his gaze again.
“To what you said. I-I agree.” He lets out a long exhale, and his broad shoulders relax a fraction, as if he’s been just as tense as me, waiting for my verdict. I half expect him to take my assent as permission to ravish me, but he doesn’t do that.
Instead, he barks, “I would like to kiss you again.”
I can’t help but smile. “Good. I’d like that, too.”

and the fun of sleeping together:
“You sleep like the dead.”
“I’m sorry,” I say quickly. “I didn’t mean…”
“To wake me with your freezing feet?” he supplies. “Woman, we need to get you some wool socks.”

Really cute couple!
Profile Image for Anne-Marie Romance Reader).
200 reviews28 followers
May 21, 2023
I love this series, and this one was antoher great book in the series! Marut and Violet were a great couple, and I enjoyed seeing the sexy librarian orc and the human working to overcome her past trauma get their HEA.
Profile Image for Hillary.
683 reviews801 followers
June 4, 2023
4/5 ⭐️s

Marut and Violet were so sweet! This was such a great cozy read, and it really redeemed Marut for me after Her Orc Protector.

Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Profile Image for Clairsreads.
445 reviews60 followers
December 30, 2024
4.5⭐️

Back at it again with the orc’s and I’m not even mad about it. I love these big green guys and the way they love their women is just so next level.

Violet has an aversion to touch and has been searching for a husband for many years and has finally come to the realization that it may not ever happen for her…until the day Marut walks through the door. The two of them are opposites in every way but know from the second they make contact that theres something between them that they can’t deny. Immediately the two get married and Violet leaves the town and her family behind in order to start a new life with Marut. Seeing the softer and patient side of Marut as he cares for Ivy allows her to finally accept the love she has been searching for.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Profile Image for Grey Story.
369 reviews22 followers
May 28, 2023
This was an unexpected joy. Although I enjoyed Korr and Ivy's story, I didn't think I would like this one as much and I'm glad I was wrong. There were several times I was even squealing and kicking my feet at how excited I was at the turn of events in the story.

Violet was nothing what I pictured for Marut based on book 4, Korr's story, but she was fantastic. She's touch averse and was raised with the intent to try to marry into nobility. She also loves reading and children.

Marut is in charge of the Hill's library and archives. He turned out to possibly be the most patient and gentle of all the orcs so far! It was nice to see a follow-up on his relationship with Korr, however small, and Ivy and Violet getting along as sisters in law. (also loved Marut's spectacles cameo and think they could have made another appearance)

This book was much more of a slow burn compared to the other book in the Black Bear Clan series as a result of Violet's touch aversion. Marut is very careful and accommodating, from not touching her to preventing others from touching her to warning the other orcs not to touch her (e.g. hugs, claps on the shoulder, etc. they're normally pretty friendly and very openly physically affectionate). I loved the slow build of their relationship as Marut earns Violet's trust and Violet gets to grow comfortable with Marut physically and emotionally on her own terms and at her own pace. Hell yeah!

The spice scenes in this one were great. I loved the way they approached their sexual relationship with Violet's comfort in mind.
Profile Image for Callie.
661 reviews29 followers
May 19, 2023
These are always cute and quick for me!

Truly not a lot of plot - I always want a bit more to happen. But the mate thing usually promises some cute orc behaviors.

I wish we got to know Marut a bit more. I appreciate how he was patient with her needing time and acclimating to touch. Wish we got to see a little more of them adjusting to life when she’s introduced to life under the Hill!

Safety:
-mentions of men touching her inappropriately in the past but no details
-she’s a virgin, has been looking for husbands but didn’t like anyone. No OW drama - it’s kind of hinted at he has experience, but it’s never fully stated. I’m finding these days I like either dual virgin or both have experience - but it’s not really made a big deal here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,840 reviews364 followers
February 25, 2024
Her Orc Husband is the fifth book in the Black Bear Clan series and features Marut and Violet. Marut and Violet are both seeking a love match with a matchmaker and fate connects them. Violet has an aversion to touch and Marut wants Violet any way he can get her.

"Marut finally turns his head toward me, his dark gaze piercing. “You can kiss me anytime. And touch me. I am yours, Violet, and you can have me any way you want me.”


This was a sweet and steamy read about a woman finding herself and her voice and a man finding what makes him whole. Really enjoyed this!

“I could fuck you all night. And once you’ve gotten used to me, once you’re no longer sore, we’ll spend every night locked together. You’ll fall asleep with my knot still plugging you, and when you wake up, I’ll fuck you again. Or you’ll sleep just like this, on top of me, and you’ll be able to take your pleasure from me whenever you want.”

Profile Image for girlwithhearteyes.
1,685 reviews223 followers
January 11, 2025
4 stars

Touch adverse FMC + gentle/patient orc MMC = 😍

I really enjoyed this orc romance! Low angst and sweet, with Marut doing everything to ensure that Violet was comfortable with him and their marriage… before diving in with the dirty talk. 😯😏

(I’m undecided about the audiobook narrator though. He sounded a bit like Ewan McGregor, but the whole book is from the FMC’s POV, so that was a choice.)
Profile Image for Hazel Gower.
Author 51 books934 followers
December 20, 2023
The best.

This my favourite so far. I’m surprised as this one wasn’t one I was waiting on or even keen to read as in previous books I haven’t been a fan of Marut, loved him in this though. The epilogue made it the best.
Profile Image for Debbie Green.
239 reviews2 followers
April 8, 2024
🥰

I've become a big fan of this series really fast! It's packed with heartwarming and adorable moments, with the perfect balance of romance and story. I definitely suggest checking out the entire series!
Profile Image for Evelyn Hazel.
209 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2025
Second Read: Ahhh 😌 Still as good as I can remember. This was fun. I really enjoyed the beginning few chapters the most.

——————

First Read: Zoe Ashwood is on of my favorite authors, and I can’t WAIT for more books by her.

I enjoyed reading this book, and it was a solid 4⭐️s. I say this so much in my reviews, but the epilogue was so good. I love how Violet kind of over comes her fear of being touched, not just with Marut, but also casually between friends.

I’ve kinda read this series out of order, and im glad it doesn’t give any spoilers. I’m excited to read more of this series! Lots of cozy vibes with great spice. ☺️

Black Bear Clan Series: 4/8

(⚠️WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!!!⚠️)

Quotes & Notes/ Reactions:

⭐️(Page. 23): The orc twitches his lips in an expression that’s almost snag. “See, Violet, I don’t need to touch you to make sure you’re taken care of. You’ll see.” [Well, this is certainly going to be interesting.]

(Page. 38): He’s my husband now. And I am his wife until death do us part.

⭐️(Page. 72): “Good night, Marut.” “Good night, little bird.” [Awww! 😭😭😭]

(Page. 78): I’m used to people showing when they’re mad about something, but somehow, Marut’s quiet ire is more terrifying.
Profile Image for Alex (HEABookNerd).
2,441 reviews
March 14, 2024
HER ORC HUSBAND was another great orc book from Zoe Ashwood. I love how gentle yet sexy her orcs are and I love seeing them welcome each new human who joins their clan. This one was interesting compared to the rest because of Violet and Marut's arranged marriage. At first Violet is just looking for an escape from her current life but I loved watching her find a place and purpose with Marut. And I can't resist a quiet and stoic hero who gets dirty with his partner.

I will gladly read a hundred more books about the Black Bear Clan! And are we getting a book for Mara?? I hope so because I really want a romance with an orc FMC and human MMC.

Content Warning: anxiety over being touched by strangers
3,215 reviews67 followers
January 8, 2024
Orc H wants the human h at their first meeting, then finds out she has aversion to touch. He's so careful and sweet with her. She is accepting and it's a nice story.
Profile Image for Ashley (Red-Haired Ash Reads).
3,362 reviews181 followers
October 15, 2025
Series: Bellhaven Clan #5
Rating: 4 stars - It was really good

Violet’s brother is threatening to throw her out if she doesn’t find a husband soon. Unfortunately, the city’s best matchmaker has given up on finding a suitable match for her due to Violet’s revulsion at being touched. But as soon as Marut sees her he claims her as the one. Violet’s phobia doesn’t stop him from pursuing her, just makes him more determined to show her that he is willing to wait for her.

After not really liking Marut in the previous book because of his inability to get along (aka have a decent conversation) with his brother, but I found that I really liked him in this. Marut was all about consent and letting Violet set the pace of their marriage of convenience, and I loved every minute of it. I loved his patience in wooing Violet and showing her that she could trust him with her body and heart.

Violet was a woman who is repulsed by touch, especially adults. I really liked Violet and that she finally did something for herself. She knew that Marut was not the choice her family would choose but knew that he was what she wanted and took the chance, even if she knew she might be able to touch him. I also loved how she stood up to the banker and her brother for their behaviors. She may be quiet but she had spunk too.

Overall, this was a very sweet romance that showed consent is key. I loved these two and how their relationship built over the journey home. It was just what I needed right now.

TW: Haphephobia (fear of being touched) geared towards adults, especially men;
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,201 reviews90 followers
May 19, 2023
Violet (h) struggles to find a husband, even with the aide of a matchmaker, due to past trauma that makes it difficult for her to tolerate being touched. Marut (H), an orc warrior, seeks a mate and when he scents Violet, he realizes he’s found her. Marut is so patient and understanding of Violet’s touch-aversion, and does everything he can to be respectful, despite his attraction to her. As Violet gets to know Marut, she realizes he'll do anything to make her happy and to see to her needs. Plenty of sexy action with size difference and knotting. Loved this hot and steamy fated mates orc romance. While it's not technically part of Black Bear Clan series, it fits in so well and includes characters from that series.
Profile Image for heart.
296 reviews9 followers
May 21, 2023
3.5 stars

check out my tags/shelves for more info

when it comes to soulmate stories i do always wish they are both virgins so the H not being one was saddening. Also i needed more romance and words of assurance from him, he made it clear but it was lacking… idk something was missing. everything else was spot on amazing tho, it had all the troupes i liked (almost)

virgin h sadly sounded like the H had experience
soulmates
instalove sorta
cross species (orc)
no ow/om drama
no protection
breeding
couple gets married (a big part of the story)
push/pull from h slightly in the beginning
safe
hea
epilogue w/babies
spicy lvl 3/5 (bro they did it but not in missionary ONCE, like why she gotta do all the damn work 🤨)
wish was longer
Profile Image for Xiomara.
183 reviews
July 4, 2024
It was okay I dislike it, but I didn’t love it either. There were some parts that kind of got on my nerves, but I really did enjoy the plot of it. Just some things rub me the wrong way but I think it’s mostly the way the main character was portrayed. I did like the main female character had a condition and it didn’t get cured in a day. It took time and patience from her husband I felt like that was very realistic and I like that.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews

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