Orc's Claim

Knotty Monsters #0.5

by Julie K. Cohen

I have a dark, dirty secret. I’ve been sneaking off with an orc…

I have a dark, dirty secret. I’ve been sneaking off with a monster, an orc, in the market every chance I get.

If my people find out, they’ll punish me and kill him.

But I can’t resist Ryko. He’s brave, gentle, and loves me for who I am, curves and all. Then one day, we’re caught in a very compromising position.

The only way to save Ryko is to expose our secret... and condemn both of us.

◆◆◆Mine to Possess
Orc’s Claim is a steamy monster romance between an orc warrior and a curvy human woman. The couple will have to fight their people in order to build their future together in this forbidden love romance. Expect twists and turns and a very Happy Ever After.

Genres: Monster Romance, Monsters, Romance, Fantasy

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

About the author

Julie K. Cohen lives in Pennsylvania, USA with her husband, two sons, one daughter, and one very loud German Shepherd. She is a USA Today Best Selling Romance Author whose love of writing spans several genres, from paranormal (shifters!) and sci fi romance to alien and monster romance. The spicier, the better!

When she's not writing, Julie bakes, develops puzzles, plays board games with her kids, travels, gardens, walks her dog, and reads. Julie loves developing intricate plots and smart, ‘flawed’ characters who don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of protecting the ones they love. While every book ends in an HEA (happy ever after), one or more twists is a must!


Sign up for her newsletter to have access to bonus chapters and more at juliekcohenromance.com or contact Julie at JulieKCohenRomance@gmail.com

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Reviews

[Rach Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good start

Some good world building, plus enough story and spice to reel me in for the next book. Really enjoyed the new world details - the central / neutral market for trade, the different species and their relationships with others. Promising start!

[Merrin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is it wild to say I didn’t particularly like this bc it had too much plot? Maybe, but that was part of my problem. World building was another. I didn’t understand why every human male in this book was the worst, why the human women held absolutely not power or autonomy, what the level of technology was if they’re on this other planet but still riding in what is essentially a horse drawn carriage. Also a lil grossed out by how he “cured her” of her trauma from her sexual assault back on earth. Idk, this one just wasn’t for me.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Love . . .

Jessie points to two orcs talking in the market area. They normally isolate themselves, so this has Jessie’s attention. She calls them animals and foul beasts. Lily agrees that they can be deadly, but they are not animals. In fact, Lily thinks the one on the left is actually attractive. It’s the men of their own colony she really dislikes as they act like they own the women there. Lily goes off on her own to take a break by the river. When she sees something green moving fast, she follows out of curiosity. She watches the orc battle a boar-like dangerous creature, but the orc is full of confidence and power as he takes down his prey. Her own people would need at least 4 men to do this! When he kills the beast, he says a prayer over it, thanking his gods for protecting him and allowing the kill. She can’t stop watching him, the way he moves… and is not sure whether he knows she is there or not as he strips off his clothing to rinse himself off in the river. Then he invites her closer to he doesn’t have to raise his voice to talk, telling her he won’t harm her. He tells her how to be safer in the woods, and he is kind and accepting. She enjoys talking with him. Ryko is definitely different from anyone she has ever known. Will their growing trust and respect lead them to something more? Or will they be prevented from being together by animosity on both sides?

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

LILY is working in the markets with her friend when orcs show up to the market. Her friend makes derogatory remarks but Lily likes the look of one of the orcs. Lily decides to get away from her friend and goes for a walk. There she sees the orc she was looking at hunting an animal. She stays to watch. When he's done he goes into the water and asks her to either come out or get closer to talk.
RYKO is intrigued by this little human female. He starts to think of her as his female but knows his chief would not be happy with a coupling with a human.
It's been a while before Lily returns to the market and Ryko has looked for her. But this day his leader comes to her and sniffs her. He says she'll do then leaves. Ryko wants Lily but he feels his leader will give him a female not Lily. How will he claim the female he wants. Will Lily be willing? Will they be caught meeting? What will happen then?
A fascinating story to keep the reader antsy as to the outcome.

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

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orc’s Claim is a hot and spicy Sci-Fi Romance that finds human Lily and Orc warrior Ryko attracted to each other on a world where prejudices between the species runs high.
When they notice each other while in the Pen’Kesh market only trouble can follow.
As they secretly meet each other in the surrounding forest on the days Lily is working at the market their passion for each other only intensifies.
Ryko has been forbidden by his Grak to pursue Lily and if the other humans in her colony knew what she was up to the punishment would be very unpleasant.
How they overcome the challenges of their forbidden love makes for a very good read that is nicely written and an entertaining adventure with all roads leading to a well deserved HEA.
Looking forward to reading more stories in this series!.

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

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kovos is a planet were 5 very different species live but do not get along. Among these species is a human settlement. The Coalition took over Earth and Kovos is one place who humans can escape to. However, the men treat the women like second class citizens. Orcs have also come to Kovos for new start.
Ryko meets Lily at the market and instantly is attracted to her. He knows she is his but his leader will not allow them to be together. Lily feels the connection to him as well but her past and laws of the human settlement forbid any such relationship. Now they must overcome many obstacles to be together and not start a war or be killed. This was a very good story that I had to keep reading to see how it all worked out. I highly recommend you read this book and all the other books in the series.

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

[Julie Morden daechsel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryku is an orc warrior, strong and brave, but also in love with a human.
Lily is a human woman, oppressed and used on a new world, and also in love with the forbidden..an orc.
Lily's punky sweetness and Ryku's hard exterior and warm jelly centre won me over fairly quickly. The verbal interactions are at times humerous, sometimes serious, but never overdone or meaningless.
The plot is well developed, characters (side as well ad main) are fleshed out nicely, and I found myself torn along with Lily and Ryku between what is the right choice between love and honour.
Looking forward to the next book already!.

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

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily (h) never expected her life on the planet Kovos to take a dangerous turn when she crossed paths with Ryko (H), a fierce orc warrior. Humans and orcs are kept apart by social prejudices and strict orders, Ryko and Lily get to know one another in a forbidden relationship that grows from curiosity to something much deeper. Ryko claims Lily as his mate despite the risks, defying his leader and challenging the fragile peace between their people. As threats close in from all sides—hostile alien species, power-hungry leaders, and those who would see them torn apart, Lily and Ryko have to fight to stay together. Hot and steamy orc-human romance, exploring love, connection, social prejudices, dangers, uncertainties, and difficult choices.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'She is utterly beautiful.
And she is mine.
I don’t know how or when, but I will mate this female.'

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun forbidden romance with tension and suspense. Good world building and wonderful characters. I love both Lily and Ryko. Their first meeting certainly was heated and you can feel the chemistry and pull between them. I was sad for the prejudices that would keep them apart and punish them if they were to be together. And as much as I enjoy the suspense of it- secrecy always gets caught at some point. I know there will be a happy ending, but the suspense kills me. What will happen? I liked that some chapters where from other points of view. I also liked some of the supporting characters. An exciting read. 5 stars.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kovos is something of a melting pot but it is pretty much always just on the brink of boiling over. None of the species that live there seem to want to co-exist with any of the others. Lily, a human and Ryko, an Orc meet in the market place. Neither one can deny their feelings for the other however the prejudice against them as a couple is fierce. They are something of a Romeo and Juliet as public proof of their relationship could bring about a war and they do come from very different clans. Yet this couple is so sweet, they care so much for one another and it is not in a superficial way. I loved them so much.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This intense book will pull you in from the beginning to the end. Ryko is an orc assigned to guard a tradesman who goes into the human settlement. Lily lives in the settlement and notices Ryko watching her. Their attraction is instant and intense. The plot is excellent and has quite a bit of drama. A relationship between orcs and humans is not allowed, so Ryko and Lily sneak around to see each other. This is an excellent book! Lily and Ryko have lots of spice and chemistry.

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

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Ryko and Lily. Lily is human, and Ryko is an ORC. They end up meeting in the forest and start talking. Lily finds out that Ryko is not a monster, just a different species. Ryko has found his mate and will do whatever it takes to protect her and mate her. I loved how many obstacles got in their way they just kept pushing for a relationship. They took plenty of risks to be together. I loved the story and couldn't put it down.

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

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this "Knotty Monsters" story. It is fun and captivating. The story is about the forbidden, Lily, a human, and Ryko, an Orc. When she first sees him it is when in the village. She is curious about him. When she goes on her own into the woods she sees him again. This time he is on a hunt. His ways, mannerisms and more completely draw her in. Ryko, is completely intrigued by her as well. Can they overcome the challenges of being together and the forbidden? Such a good read with some good twists and turns.

[Trixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a thrilling tale of love, our main characters defy the odds with a connection that goes beyond their differences. They act like teenagers willing to risk it all, sneaking off to meet in secret, disregarding the opinions of everyone around them. Their future isn't set in stone, but with the help of his Grek, they just might find a way to happiness. I can't wait to dive into more books in this captivating series!.

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

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good prequel to the series! Lily is holding a secret, because society might cause harm to her and her mate. But human or orc orc is not the right one to have chosen. But they’re gonna make it work until things happen and being caught in a very compromising position might cause problems. It is about fighting for what you believe in. You definitely don’t believe that. They are the underdog. It is a good story.

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

[Jeanéva Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you know what you want...
On a planet with four transplanted species, including humans, everyone wants to survive, perhaps some want to conquer. That's the attitude the human group has about the Orcs. Orcs are brutes, total warriors no better than beasts. But Lily sees them differently. She has fallen in love with Ryko. While her feelings for Ryko develop over time, Ryko knows exactly what he wants right from the get-to. The problem? Neither species will accept their mating. This was a wonderful start for the series and I can't wait to read more.

[Christal · Rating 5 out of 5]

While in the market, Lily finds herself attracted to a very handsome Orc. According to the human men, Orcs are monsters although Lily thinks the real monsters are the human men who control their town and the women in it. Lily finds Ryko by the river where their attraction to each other begins and grows as they meet multiple times. When they are caught, things start to go downhill until Ryko's Grak interferes. Although Ryko thinks his Grak against him, he finds out different even though Ryko is sent away from his clan. This is a sweet romance that ends happily for Lily and Ryko.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Lily and Ryko is an Orc Romeo and Juliet. She's human and he's an Orc, their people are mortal enemies. In fact, most human believe Orcs to be no better than animals. But she sees something in Ryko, an Orc who is not only attracted to her lush body, but one who sees her for the strong and feisty woman she truly is. I loved their ups and downs and getting to know each other as well as how much they both would risk to be together. Excellent HEA.

[Pamela Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. Lily and Ryko are amazing characters. I enjoyed Lilys soft yet strongness and Ryko's straightforwardness. If you like when the strongest of men are willing to leave behind all they know for the love of their life not matter the species, then this is a book for you. Julie has a way of making her books play like a movie in my head. Her description of the aliens and plants is amazing.

[Teresa Woodard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!!

I love it when an author can pull you into the world they created. The descriptions allow you to envision that world. The descriptions of the Orcs and other species let you see them in your mind!
This story explores the relationship between an Orc and a human woman with all the risks involved and the background issues going around them.
It’s time to continue the series with the next book! Thank you, Julie, for an awesome read!! ❤️

[Sandra Sanches · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, intense and soooo steamy!
This is a prequel for a fantastic series!
A forbidden love between a curvy girl and a Orc warrior,they will have to fight for their love agains humans that are abusive to the girls and in the other side the fierce Orc warriors that despise humans.
My praise for the excelent world building and the development of the characters .
A must read!

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, forbidden love story that will melt your heart. This is Lily and Ryko's story and their battle against the prejudices they face being an Orc and human. With many twists and turns, you will fall in love with them and their determination to be together and find their HEA, no matter the cost. I loved their story and their characters. A 10 star read.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julie K Cohen’s Orc’s Claim is the prequel for her Knotty Monsters series. It tells the story of how Lily,a curvy female human, and her handsome green orc, Ryko, meet and fall in love dispute prejudice of all the species on the planet, especially the human faction. Julie has created a great new world peopled by diverse species who must work together to survive.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great series opener and a wonderful forbidden romance. Orc, Ryko, and human gal, Lily, fall fast and hard for each other but neither have support of their people... Expect an engaging reading ride that's full of twists, prejudice, determination and love. I really enjoyed following these two to their HEA and can't wait for the next book :D

[Jdotart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to find out how these 2 met since I read orcs possession first and LOOOOVED it! Mystery solved! These two are so sweet and achingly sincere and in love that it makes your heart clench. I’m obsessed with this series and love the amazing story that makes this more than just your regular orc romance. This has heart, intrigue, and so much love!.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a heart pounding story that pulls us into the lives of Lily and Ryko. The story keeps us turning the pages with a forbidden relationship, connection, tough decisions, danger and steam.

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

[Taara Amrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new world and alien Romeo and Juliette. Humans vs Orcs in place of families. I love the detail of the 'New Earth' created on 'Kavos' in this story. This is a romantic, political, slightly dark, and inspiring story. Makes you want to root for an HEA.

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

[Anne-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart breaks for Lily and Ryko, the two main characters who fall deeply in love yet are denied a mating. The Orcs need females even if they have to be human. Humans (most of them) hate the Orcs thinking of them as animals and monsters. But Lily and Ryko can see beyond their physical differences focusing instead on the goodness, loyalty and happiness they share.

[Anuschka-Marie' · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing and I could not put it down. I loved how Rico just kept fighting to stay with Lily, even against his boss..
My favorite part was the ending, it was such a surprise. Those twists were amazing!.

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

[Athena Diven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both Ryko and Lily are flying in the face of convention by defying both of their leaders. They're brave and taking chances to be together. It's so sweet and adventurous, but with delicious elements danger with their hot and steamy romance. A truly enjoyable read.

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