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Trollkin Lovers
Knowing the Ogre's Heart
After the death of his parents at the hands of human villagers, young Cragnorr the ogre was orphaned. Mia, only a child herself, rescued him from certain death, and has kept him a secret since. Now the silent, gentle Cragnorr has made it his mission to protect Mia, at any cost.
But when Cragnorr's presence is discovered by Mia's village, they're forced to run. While the two friends must try to survive in the wilderness, their bond evolves into something else... until they accidentally wander into bandit territory.
Under orders from the bandit king, Cragnorr must fight in the gladiator pit for entertainment while Mia is forced to watch. Can they escape this terrible place, or will the peaceful giant become the vicious monster he is inside to save Mia?
But when Cragnorr's presence is discovered by Mia's village, they're forced to run. While the two friends must try to survive in the wilderness, their bond evolves into something else... until they accidentally wander into bandit territory.
Under orders from the bandit king, Cragnorr must fight in the gladiator pit for entertainment while Mia is forced to watch. Can they escape this terrible place, or will the peaceful giant become the vicious monster he is inside to save Mia?
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
43 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
About the author
Lyonne Riley
32 books881 followersLyonne Riley writes super steamy monster romance, fantasy romance, and sci-fi romance. She lives in the middle of nowhere with her spouse and two dogs, writing spicy fairy tales.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
September 12, 2024
I seriously love everything Lyonne writes!
Despite her monster romance books tending to be novellas, in a very short amount of time she is able to create amazing and descriptive characters, a well-formed plot, and tons of action. I mean this in the best way possible, her novellas do not feel like novellas. Yes, they are still quick, it is not that they drag, it is that there is so much detail in them that you do not feel you are giving up development for the sake of quickness, which is often the case with novellas (NO SHADE ON NOVELLAS, I FUCKING LOVE THEM!)
Here are some of the specific things I really loved about this book:
1. I love friends to lovers and I love monster romance. Add the two together and it’s gold!
2. Cragnorr may not have talked much (in fact, he doesn’t speak many words at all to the point of you wondering if he can), but he was a sweetie and total protector. I liked that Mia would just ramble around him and he would sit there totally content to just listen to everything she said. He was completely enthralled with her, and this communication barrier did not slow them down at all!
3. I loved that Mia was smart and quick thinking. Every time they ended up in a perilous situation, she was always quick to think and act in a strategic manner. Even though her plans didn’t always work out, she was determined and made smart decisions, which made me like her very much.
4. I, surprisingly for me, liked that both of them were sexually inexperienced. Lyonne was able to make their connection so sincere and innocent, that when they both dove into their sexual feelings for each other, it was seriously like magic! They belonged together and the fact that they were able to figure things out together in this regard, was really sweet.
Speaking of which, this was probably the sweetest book of Lyonne’s I’ve read to date, only maybe behind My Minotaur Husband, because, well, Theo! They were both so absorbed with the other’s safety that they would do anything to help the other, which was truly sweet.
5. I liked that because of his upbringing (which was sad!), he didn’t know a lot about “mates”. I loved how he had to figure out this part of his heritage, because it gave the reader the opportunity to learn some things right along with him!
6. I liked several of the side characters and I felt their endings (while some sad and some triumphant) were all appropriate.
Thank you to Lyonne Riley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
4.5 stars
Despite her monster romance books tending to be novellas, in a very short amount of time she is able to create amazing and descriptive characters, a well-formed plot, and tons of action. I mean this in the best way possible, her novellas do not feel like novellas. Yes, they are still quick, it is not that they drag, it is that there is so much detail in them that you do not feel you are giving up development for the sake of quickness, which is often the case with novellas (NO SHADE ON NOVELLAS, I FUCKING LOVE THEM!)
Here are some of the specific things I really loved about this book:
1. I love friends to lovers and I love monster romance. Add the two together and it’s gold!
2. Cragnorr may not have talked much (in fact, he doesn’t speak many words at all to the point of you wondering if he can), but he was a sweetie and total protector. I liked that Mia would just ramble around him and he would sit there totally content to just listen to everything she said. He was completely enthralled with her, and this communication barrier did not slow them down at all!
3. I loved that Mia was smart and quick thinking. Every time they ended up in a perilous situation, she was always quick to think and act in a strategic manner. Even though her plans didn’t always work out, she was determined and made smart decisions, which made me like her very much.
4. I, surprisingly for me, liked that both of them were sexually inexperienced. Lyonne was able to make their connection so sincere and innocent, that when they both dove into their sexual feelings for each other, it was seriously like magic! They belonged together and the fact that they were able to figure things out together in this regard, was really sweet.
Speaking of which, this was probably the sweetest book of Lyonne’s I’ve read to date, only maybe behind My Minotaur Husband, because, well, Theo! They were both so absorbed with the other’s safety that they would do anything to help the other, which was truly sweet.
5. I liked that because of his upbringing (which was sad!), he didn’t know a lot about “mates”. I loved how he had to figure out this part of his heritage, because it gave the reader the opportunity to learn some things right along with him!
6. I liked several of the side characters and I felt their endings (while some sad and some triumphant) were all appropriate.
Thank you to Lyonne Riley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.
4.5 stars
October 29, 2024
2.5/5 rounding up I guess
Ok, nothing special. I did get a pretty strong ick tho. He's incredibly naive and doesn't know about sex/babies (because he's been alone in a cave after his parents were murdered). They have sex as soon as he learns where his dick goes. Idk, I know it was two virgins exploring things together, but he was so, so sheltered. She was literally the only person in his life for 10 years. It made it feel gross to me, idk. They are mates and everything but I feel some bad for the guy. He's given absolutely no freedom in his life? Then the ending was super rushed. Bad guy killed, problem solved, magic fairytale ending with babies. Blah blah blah. It's been done so many times and this def doesn't add anything new. Glad this was on KU because this author's writing doesn't warrant $
Ok, nothing special. I did get a pretty strong ick tho. He's incredibly naive and doesn't know about sex/babies (because he's been alone in a cave after his parents were murdered). They have sex as soon as he learns where his dick goes. Idk, I know it was two virgins exploring things together, but he was so, so sheltered. She was literally the only person in his life for 10 years. It made it feel gross to me, idk. They are mates and everything but I feel some bad for the guy. He's given absolutely no freedom in his life? Then the ending was super rushed. Bad guy killed, problem solved, magic fairytale ending with babies. Blah blah blah. It's been done so many times and this def doesn't add anything new. Glad this was on KU because this author's writing doesn't warrant $
September 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix between sweet and angsty.
I received an arc from the author for an honest review.
I received an arc from the author for an honest review.
September 9, 2024
Any Trollkin written by Lyonne Riley
Me :
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.5⭐️ | Romance lvl: 5.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.5🌶️ | Smut frequency: 4.0⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
💚 Ogre MMC x Human FMC
🥰 Life-long friends to lovers
👉 They're both super brave
🔗 Captivity / Abduction by bandits
⚔️ Fighting to survive
💫 Fated mates
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
This book became my new favorite of the series (sorry Charming the Troll's Heart, you're now n°2 🤷🏽♀️🥺)
I mean, the MMC is REALLY quiet yet has a clear personality (and I'm totally in love with it.)
And the FMC? Incredible.
She's who you want to be in that situation. Yeah, she's not all-powerful or physically stronger than anyone else but does that mean she's going to get down and just take it? Nope. She fought every step of the way, with whatever means she had. She might be a damsel in distress but she did everything she could to save herself and her ogre. All that while still being vulnerable at times and always kind. Love her to bits.
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
If you read "Knowing the Ogre's Heart" you're in for:
🕊️ the most virgin MCs
🕊️ learning together
🕊️ massive size difference
🕊️ breeding
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
Me :
----------------------—
Story rating: 4.5⭐️ | Romance lvl: 5.0⭐️
Spice lvl: 3.5🌶️ | Smut frequency: 4.0⏳
----------------------—
Tropes:
💚 Ogre MMC x Human FMC
🥰 Life-long friends to lovers
👉 They're both super brave
🔗 Captivity / Abduction by bandits
⚔️ Fighting to survive
💫 Fated mates
----------------------—
~ STORY 📝 ~
This book became my new favorite of the series (sorry Charming the Troll's Heart, you're now n°2 🤷🏽♀️🥺)
I mean, the MMC is REALLY quiet yet has a clear personality (and I'm totally in love with it.)
And the FMC? Incredible.
She's who you want to be in that situation. Yeah, she's not all-powerful or physically stronger than anyone else but does that mean she's going to get down and just take it? Nope. She fought every step of the way, with whatever means she had. She might be a damsel in distress but she did everything she could to save herself and her ogre. All that while still being vulnerable at times and always kind. Love her to bits.
~ SPICE 🌶️ ~
If you read "Knowing the Ogre's Heart" you're in for:
🕊️ the most virgin MCs
🕊️ learning together
🕊️ massive size difference
🕊️ breeding
---------------------—
This is an arc review. Thanks to the author for the advanced ebook copy 🙏💖
---------------------—
September 12, 2024
Dude I love this series so freaking MUCH. Lyonne writes the most comforting, cosy monster romance every single time without fail. The structure of this universe, the language barriers, I’m so freaking impressed.
I’m really intrigued at how this universe is developing and the little snippets of complex info and world building we’re getting in each book.
The name drops, crossovers and interconnections between each of these books gets me SOSOSO excited !!!
These two were so freaking cute and wholesome. Virgin fated mates ahhhh<333!!!! I love it!!!
Genuinely couldn’t recommend this series enough
I’m really intrigued at how this universe is developing and the little snippets of complex info and world building we’re getting in each book.
The name drops, crossovers and interconnections between each of these books gets me SOSOSO excited !!!
These two were so freaking cute and wholesome. Virgin fated mates ahhhh<333!!!! I love it!!!
Genuinely couldn’t recommend this series enough
September 12, 2024
3.5 stars
"He may be a monster, but he's my monster."
I loved that we got a friends to lovers romance in this series. It was so sweet how Mia saved Cragnorr not only in their early years but again as adults! Because of how Cragnorr grew up and was very isolated, he was sort of innocent and naive about a lot of things. And that made me feel a bit uncomfortable with the spice scenes. He didn't even know what sex was or that it was possible - he had only just noticed how his and Mia's bodies had changed over the years. And because of that naivete it didn't really make a lot of sense of how he was able to suddenly know what to do.
I really enjoyed the plot in this book. It definitely didn't go the way I was expecting. And it felt like it was a lot darker than previous books. I couldn't wait to get to the end and see how they found their HEA. And I loved the cameos! It felt like it brought us full circle in this series.
"He may be a monster, but he's my monster."
I loved that we got a friends to lovers romance in this series. It was so sweet how Mia saved Cragnorr not only in their early years but again as adults! Because of how Cragnorr grew up and was very isolated, he was sort of innocent and naive about a lot of things. And that made me feel a bit uncomfortable with the spice scenes. He didn't even know what sex was or that it was possible - he had only just noticed how his and Mia's bodies had changed over the years. And because of that naivete it didn't really make a lot of sense of how he was able to suddenly know what to do.
I really enjoyed the plot in this book. It definitely didn't go the way I was expecting. And it felt like it was a lot darker than previous books. I couldn't wait to get to the end and see how they found their HEA. And I loved the cameos! It felt like it brought us full circle in this series.
August 31, 2024
My new favorite of the series!
Cragnorr is the most adorable ogre to exist.
As usual Lyonne gives us a sweet and spicy romance mixed with terrible obstacles the couple must overcome. I adored the ending, and we even get a peek into some other characters lives 👀👀
Cragnorr is the most adorable ogre to exist.
As usual Lyonne gives us a sweet and spicy romance mixed with terrible obstacles the couple must overcome. I adored the ending, and we even get a peek into some other characters lives 👀👀
October 3, 2024
Another smoking hit from Lyonne Riley! Mia and Cragnorr - childhood friends, mutual virgins, and fated mates - were so much fun to read about.
Cragnorr - despite losing his parents at a very young age, and having only Mia for company for the longest time - becomes an absolute BEAST of an ogre, with an amazing strength of character. His primary goal is to protect Mia from harm, and he takes it seriously! Mia is equally protective of him (which does land them in a couple of situations...) and does everything in her power to protect, and remain with, her ogre.
Highly recommend - just mind the TW!
Cragnorr - despite losing his parents at a very young age, and having only Mia for company for the longest time - becomes an absolute BEAST of an ogre, with an amazing strength of character. His primary goal is to protect Mia from harm, and he takes it seriously! Mia is equally protective of him (which does land them in a couple of situations...) and does everything in her power to protect, and remain with, her ogre.
Highly recommend - just mind the TW!
September 13, 2024
As someone who reads an unhealthy amount of toe curling smut, this was a great palate cleanser. This was such a sweet and fluffy romance.
Cragnor is an innocent ogre who has been protected and taken care of by his human friend Mia since he was a child. Together they overcome many obstacles as their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship. Their dedication to one another throughout this book was strong and inspiring as they fought for their right to live freely together. Parts of this book were very emotional while other parts were light hearted and fun. It’s a quick read and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Cragnor is an innocent ogre who has been protected and taken care of by his human friend Mia since he was a child. Together they overcome many obstacles as their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship. Their dedication to one another throughout this book was strong and inspiring as they fought for their right to live freely together. Parts of this book were very emotional while other parts were light hearted and fun. It’s a quick read and I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
September 7, 2024
Human Mia has been harboring and protecting ogre Cragnorr since she found him devastated by the murder of his parents as a youngling. When Mia becomes ill and fails to visit Cragnorr for longer than usual, he is discovered by the villagers when he goes looking for her. Since humans from the village kill ogres, orcs, and trolls on sight, Mia and Cragnorr try to run, and in defending Cragnorr, Mia inadvertently severs the majority of one man’s hand.
After escaping Mia’s fellow villagers, the pair become physically intimate. Shortly after being on the run, they’re captured and enslaved by a mad king, who keeps Mia chained beside his throne like a pet. The king also forces Cragnorr to fight in his twisted games for his amusement.
As ever Lyonne Riley is wonderful at world building in this volume of the Trollkin series.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
After escaping Mia’s fellow villagers, the pair become physically intimate. Shortly after being on the run, they’re captured and enslaved by a mad king, who keeps Mia chained beside his throne like a pet. The king also forces Cragnorr to fight in his twisted games for his amusement.
As ever Lyonne Riley is wonderful at world building in this volume of the Trollkin series.
I received an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest review.
September 11, 2024
There isn't a book by Lyonne that I won't read; she has become one of my favorite authors. Whenever I need something cozy and sweet, but even more so spicy, I go straight to one of her books. This Trollkin Lovers series is one of my favorites—the couples always overcome every obstacle to be together, and it's so sweet to read. This story of Mía and Cragnorr starts with a tragic event, but Mía gives the scared little ogre a home, and they become the best of friends. From the very beginning, he swears to protect her at all costs.
Lyonne makes me love every trope, even though "friends to lovers" isn't one I usually read often, but in this book, I loved it every moment. My heart tightened with everything Cragnorr and Mía went through, but in the end, they manage to move forward. Cragnorr is super quiet but fierce when it comes to protecting Mía. He’s so sweet with her, and there's nothing he wouldn't do to see her happy. Their relationship is incredibly beautiful, and the spice is excellent—once they start, they can't stop. It's an excellent story that you enjoy from start to finish. There's romance, action, adventure, but most of all, a lot of spice. I'm more than ready for another Trollkin Lovers story!
Lyonne makes me love every trope, even though "friends to lovers" isn't one I usually read often, but in this book, I loved it every moment. My heart tightened with everything Cragnorr and Mía went through, but in the end, they manage to move forward. Cragnorr is super quiet but fierce when it comes to protecting Mía. He’s so sweet with her, and there's nothing he wouldn't do to see her happy. Their relationship is incredibly beautiful, and the spice is excellent—once they start, they can't stop. It's an excellent story that you enjoy from start to finish. There's romance, action, adventure, but most of all, a lot of spice. I'm more than ready for another Trollkin Lovers story!
September 13, 2024
✨️arc review✨️
Knowing the Ogre's Heart by Lyonne Riley
✨️Childhood Friends
✨️Strong, Silent Ogre
✨️Huge Size Difference
✨️Touch her & 💀
✨️Gladiator F!ghts
✨️Pregnancy
Please check your tw, this is a darkish book. 💚
Mia and Cragnorr have been friends since they were children, when Mia discovered Cragnorr after his parents were unalived. He's made to hide away from the village and have a friendship in secret, until a few days go by and Mia doesn't show up. Cragnorr goes looking for her and they are forced to run and they run right into bandits.
Cragnorr must f!ght in the Gladiator area to save Mia and himself from the king. Will they make it out?
I enjoy everg book lyonne writes, the relationship between Mia and Cragnorr is so sweet and loved how cragnorr went all caveman style protecting what's his!
Knowing the Ogre's Heart by Lyonne Riley
✨️Childhood Friends
✨️Strong, Silent Ogre
✨️Huge Size Difference
✨️Touch her & 💀
✨️Gladiator F!ghts
✨️Pregnancy
Please check your tw, this is a darkish book. 💚
Mia and Cragnorr have been friends since they were children, when Mia discovered Cragnorr after his parents were unalived. He's made to hide away from the village and have a friendship in secret, until a few days go by and Mia doesn't show up. Cragnorr goes looking for her and they are forced to run and they run right into bandits.
Cragnorr must f!ght in the Gladiator area to save Mia and himself from the king. Will they make it out?
I enjoy everg book lyonne writes, the relationship between Mia and Cragnorr is so sweet and loved how cragnorr went all caveman style protecting what's his!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2024
I think every time I read a book by Lyonne Riley I feel like it's my new favorite. I was hooked from the beginning with the backstory for these two characters. Cragnorr and Mia have the sweetest friends to lovers story and I loved them together. This one is also a bit darker than the other books I've read in the series. The gladiator battles and being captured by bandits brought some tension and drama to this otherwise sweet relationship. I loved the ending and the seeing characters from previous books.
September 6, 2024
5 ☆
-
READ! READ! READ! This book had every trope I enjoy in this story and it was done so well! Omg, I devoured this book in one day and literally 2 hours. I couldn't stop reading! This is my first book by Lyonne Riley, but I swear I am going to go through her entire catalog! She is now going to be a instaREAD | BUY author for me. 📚❤️ #bookstagram #booklover #romance #fantasy #mustread #LyonneRiley
Now for the review, the romance is so cute and sweet how Mira and Cragnorr was each other first for everything. After the death of his parents at the hands of human villagers, young Cragnorr the ogre was orphaned. Mia, only a child herself, rescued him from certain death, and has kept him a secret since. But when Cragnorr's presence is discovered by Mia's village, they're forced to run. While on the run their relationship evolves from friends to lover. And the story just takes off. Read to find out what else happen. 🏃♂️🏃♀️❤️
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Friends to Lover
•Size difference
•Stretching and stuffing
•Breeding kink | Compelled breeding in captivity
•Pregnancy
-
Thank you, to the author for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
-
READ! READ! READ! This book had every trope I enjoy in this story and it was done so well! Omg, I devoured this book in one day and literally 2 hours. I couldn't stop reading! This is my first book by Lyonne Riley, but I swear I am going to go through her entire catalog! She is now going to be a instaREAD | BUY author for me. 📚❤️ #bookstagram #booklover #romance #fantasy #mustread #LyonneRiley
Now for the review, the romance is so cute and sweet how Mira and Cragnorr was each other first for everything. After the death of his parents at the hands of human villagers, young Cragnorr the ogre was orphaned. Mia, only a child herself, rescued him from certain death, and has kept him a secret since. But when Cragnorr's presence is discovered by Mia's village, they're forced to run. While on the run their relationship evolves from friends to lover. And the story just takes off. Read to find out what else happen. 🏃♂️🏃♀️❤️
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬:
•Friends to Lover
•Size difference
•Stretching and stuffing
•Breeding kink | Compelled breeding in captivity
•Pregnancy
-
Thank you, to the author for the eBook in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2025
Actually, new amendment. Since I now know that men don’t really have to speak much for a relationship to work, I’m adding that to my wishlist.
Did he barely speak the whole book? Maybe. Did it work? Surprisingly. Minus one star because the whole plot in the arena/weird rebel village gave me so much anxiety😭
Very nice touch that the other trollkin were trapped too, and could conveniently fill in the couple knowledge gaps that our ogre hero had👀
Did he barely speak the whole book? Maybe. Did it work? Surprisingly. Minus one star because the whole plot in the arena/weird rebel village gave me so much anxiety😭
Very nice touch that the other trollkin were trapped too, and could conveniently fill in the couple knowledge gaps that our ogre hero had👀
September 7, 2024
Thank you Lyonne Reilly for sending me a copy of her new book for my honest review! Honestly I had a hard time putting it down! This was definitely more suspenseful than others in the Trollkin Lovers series but still fantastic!
I loved Cragnorr and Mia! Childhood friends to lovers! She took care of him when they were children and in return he protects her! They care so much for each other and that shows so much as they face different trials and tribulations!
Cragnorr is so sweet! Definitely the strong silent type! He is strong and a little scary to some but his love for Mia is so pure and sweet. Every time I read his POV I was in aww of his love for her and how much she means to him. Each quote was pure poetry!
Mia may come off as a silly girl but she is strong and smart and I love her! She would do anything to protect Cragnorr and she does! She is amazing!
This book was amazing and I highly recommend it when it comes out on September 13th!
I loved Cragnorr and Mia! Childhood friends to lovers! She took care of him when they were children and in return he protects her! They care so much for each other and that shows so much as they face different trials and tribulations!
Cragnorr is so sweet! Definitely the strong silent type! He is strong and a little scary to some but his love for Mia is so pure and sweet. Every time I read his POV I was in aww of his love for her and how much she means to him. Each quote was pure poetry!
Mia may come off as a silly girl but she is strong and smart and I love her! She would do anything to protect Cragnorr and she does! She is amazing!
This book was amazing and I highly recommend it when it comes out on September 13th!
September 9, 2024
Each of the Trollkin couples are unique in their own ways, and these two are no different.
I love how Lyonne continues to expand the world she has created by introducing new nuances and weaving in old places and previous couples.
I love the tropes in this book. I love how it was only ever them, no one else for either of our leading characters. I loved that they go to watch each other grow up.
I’m already ready for more Trollkin. 🤍
I love how Lyonne continues to expand the world she has created by introducing new nuances and weaving in old places and previous couples.
I love the tropes in this book. I love how it was only ever them, no one else for either of our leading characters. I loved that they go to watch each other grow up.
I’m already ready for more Trollkin. 🤍
September 5, 2024
I just love this series.
Cragnorr is just the sweetest ogre ever with such a big heart. Mia finds Cragnorr after his parents are murdered and an unlikely friendship is formed.
Years after they meet, when their friendship is discovered by her village after a bout of illness our MCs are forced to run and go into hiding. Much like the other stories, our MCs are placed in shit circumstances and need to get out of them.
It's a heartwarming 🥵🌶️ spicy story with all the feels.
Read it.
*I received an eARC*
Cragnorr is just the sweetest ogre ever with such a big heart. Mia finds Cragnorr after his parents are murdered and an unlikely friendship is formed.
Years after they meet, when their friendship is discovered by her village after a bout of illness our MCs are forced to run and go into hiding. Much like the other stories, our MCs are placed in shit circumstances and need to get out of them.
It's a heartwarming 🥵🌶️ spicy story with all the feels.
Read it.
*I received an eARC*
September 7, 2024
His Mia! A wonderful story of childhood friends who love each other down to the quick!
Cragnorr is so sweet I nearly cried. His innocence is just so endearing and timeless. Him and Mia have been friends since she saved his life as a child and he’s loved her since. It shows heavily that they are lifelong friends. I had a nostalgia moment reading this. If you love fluff and lovey dovey this is the book for you.
That said there are some good scenes with fighting and blood gore too!
Cragnorr is so sweet I nearly cried. His innocence is just so endearing and timeless. Him and Mia have been friends since she saved his life as a child and he’s loved her since. It shows heavily that they are lifelong friends. I had a nostalgia moment reading this. If you love fluff and lovey dovey this is the book for you.
That said there are some good scenes with fighting and blood gore too!
September 15, 2024
What a story, I loved that from the beginning of the book Cragnorr called Mia his Mia. 😍😍He has so much love for her, but also she for him. It was really sad to see her have to leave everything behind but also dang, Mia is kinda a badass! She shows again and again that nothing will keep her apart from Cragnorr. This book was an adventure and I was so nervous for them.
I love an inexperienced/virgin MC and boy, lol poor Cragnorr was just so unprepared. But they figure it all out.
I think the love in this book was so incredible, I cried a few times just cause it was so sweet! It was also so just heartwarming to get a cameo from Telise and her son!
Another lovely addition to one of my absolute favorite series 🩷
I love an inexperienced/virgin MC and boy, lol poor Cragnorr was just so unprepared. But they figure it all out.
I think the love in this book was so incredible, I cried a few times just cause it was so sweet! It was also so just heartwarming to get a cameo from Telise and her son!
Another lovely addition to one of my absolute favorite series 🩷
October 3, 2024
Really cute story!! I didn’t enjoy the VERY long period of the book where Mia and Cragnorr are held captive; it went on for way too long, I feel like.
September 15, 2024
This was pretty cute! If you want a sugary sweet and smutty ogre romance this is for you!
PLOT:
Mia, a human, is only a child when she finds the ogre Cragnorr hiding by the bodies of his murdered parents. Moved and knowing she can't leave another child out in the woods to die, she secretly raises him for years. When they are caught together years later, they must run or face death at the hands of her villagers. Their journey is fraught with danger and when they are captured by a mad king they have to fight to escape.
THOUGHTS:
- this was really cute, as with most of the trollkin lovers books the characters are well done and the story was interesting.
- I personally thought the captive scenes in the mad kings town were a bit too drawn out and unnecessary and that the ending felt super rushed as a result.
- I'll also say it kind of gave me the ick when Mia and Cragnorr hook up at first because she raised him when he was like a toddler and he's so innocent. I got over it in time but I still think it would have been better if they were like the same age or something tbh.
That said it was sweet to see Cragnorr grow into his own person and protect Mia back and how their little family thrived. The smut was pretty good too!
PLOT:
Mia, a human, is only a child when she finds the ogre Cragnorr hiding by the bodies of his murdered parents. Moved and knowing she can't leave another child out in the woods to die, she secretly raises him for years. When they are caught together years later, they must run or face death at the hands of her villagers. Their journey is fraught with danger and when they are captured by a mad king they have to fight to escape.
THOUGHTS:
- this was really cute, as with most of the trollkin lovers books the characters are well done and the story was interesting.
- I personally thought the captive scenes in the mad kings town were a bit too drawn out and unnecessary and that the ending felt super rushed as a result.
- I'll also say it kind of gave me the ick when Mia and Cragnorr hook up at first because she raised him when he was like a toddler and he's so innocent. I got over it in time but I still think it would have been better if they were like the same age or something tbh.
That said it was sweet to see Cragnorr grow into his own person and protect Mia back and how their little family thrived. The smut was pretty good too!
September 12, 2024
Firstly, I love the resurgence of monster lit and appreciate the normalization of human/monster romance. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really am a fan of fluffy tropes involving fated mates, friends to lovers, strong female leads, and breeding ( which Lyonne Riley managed to fit within a 177-odd page book). There is a nice balance of story to smut against the backdrop of an action/adventure tale. And I really can't emphasize enough how much I love the characters. Both leads are brave, kind, and independent, and while they depend on each other for survival, they take initiative and use what they can to better their circumstances. Their love for each other is always at the forefront, and it's evident in every page of the book.
I went into the novel blind, not expecting an action/adventure aspect to it. I'm not usually a fan of this, and this novel didn't change that for me. However, if you are a fan of the genre and anything I mentioned above, you will enjoy everything this fun read has to offer.
I really am a fan of fluffy tropes involving fated mates, friends to lovers, strong female leads, and breeding ( which Lyonne Riley managed to fit within a 177-odd page book). There is a nice balance of story to smut against the backdrop of an action/adventure tale. And I really can't emphasize enough how much I love the characters. Both leads are brave, kind, and independent, and while they depend on each other for survival, they take initiative and use what they can to better their circumstances. Their love for each other is always at the forefront, and it's evident in every page of the book.
I went into the novel blind, not expecting an action/adventure aspect to it. I'm not usually a fan of this, and this novel didn't change that for me. However, if you are a fan of the genre and anything I mentioned above, you will enjoy everything this fun read has to offer.
September 15, 2024
If you like monster romance, friends to lovers, spicy times, and a happy ever after then you will really enjoy this one!
Mia and Cragnorr first meet as kids after his parents are killed by Mia’s fellow villagers. She protects him by hiding him until he outgrows the hiding place, and then proceeds to visit him almost daily over the years, bringing him supplies and treats.
When a fully grown Cragnorr is sighted by the villagers, he’s forced on the run. Refusing to leave him, Mia accompanies him. Without getting into any other specific plot details, suffice it to say that both characters are tested by those with evil intentions. I enjoyed this little bit of craziness in the plot, because who doesn’t enjoy watching a horrible, power crazed king get his comeuppance?
This was a very sweet story about the love of two very different beings, whose determination and love for each other allow them to build a life with one another when everyone else said it was impossible or disgusting.
I enjoy this author’s work, and am looking forward to the next adventure!
Mia and Cragnorr first meet as kids after his parents are killed by Mia’s fellow villagers. She protects him by hiding him until he outgrows the hiding place, and then proceeds to visit him almost daily over the years, bringing him supplies and treats.
When a fully grown Cragnorr is sighted by the villagers, he’s forced on the run. Refusing to leave him, Mia accompanies him. Without getting into any other specific plot details, suffice it to say that both characters are tested by those with evil intentions. I enjoyed this little bit of craziness in the plot, because who doesn’t enjoy watching a horrible, power crazed king get his comeuppance?
This was a very sweet story about the love of two very different beings, whose determination and love for each other allow them to build a life with one another when everyone else said it was impossible or disgusting.
I enjoy this author’s work, and am looking forward to the next adventure!
September 12, 2024
I received an advanced copy of this book and this review is my own opinion.
4/5🌶
As a child, Mia hides an Ogre child, Cragnorr, after his parents are killed by humans. Mia visits him often, and they form a strong bond of friendship into adulthood. But when Mia fails to return to him after a few days, Cragnorr becomes worried and seeks her out in her village. Being discovered by others, Mia once again comes to his rescue and so begins a journey of discovery, pain and eventually security.
Mia was such a strong FMC and her strength and fortitude throughout the story had me rooting for her. Her relationship with Cragnorr was tender and loving and he treated her with so much gentleness and respect it grasped at my heart through the turmoil and pain they suffered. It was a very emotional story from start to finish that I enjoyed immensely.
If you want an emotional read with a happily ever after, do yourself a favor and indulge in this one. It’s a shorter story and I was able to finish it in just a few hours. Cragnorr and Mia will forever have a place in my heart.
4/5🌶
As a child, Mia hides an Ogre child, Cragnorr, after his parents are killed by humans. Mia visits him often, and they form a strong bond of friendship into adulthood. But when Mia fails to return to him after a few days, Cragnorr becomes worried and seeks her out in her village. Being discovered by others, Mia once again comes to his rescue and so begins a journey of discovery, pain and eventually security.
Mia was such a strong FMC and her strength and fortitude throughout the story had me rooting for her. Her relationship with Cragnorr was tender and loving and he treated her with so much gentleness and respect it grasped at my heart through the turmoil and pain they suffered. It was a very emotional story from start to finish that I enjoyed immensely.
If you want an emotional read with a happily ever after, do yourself a favor and indulge in this one. It’s a shorter story and I was able to finish it in just a few hours. Cragnorr and Mia will forever have a place in my heart.
September 13, 2024
This latest installment in the Trollkin Lovers series is much darker than the others, but still delivers on the heartwarming romance and steam that we love from Lyonne Riley. These characters make such a wonderful couple. Mia is an incredible addition to the lineup of fierce female leads from this series! Both her and Cragnorr will do whatever it takes to protect the other and fight for their happy ending. I was completely surprised by the direction this story took, and on the edge of my seat to see what happened next!
My one complaint was that Cragnorr and Mia both seemed too naive and childish when it came to the spice—even if they were both virgins. These characters are in their twenties, but the way they talked about things made them seem much, much younger. It was a bit uncomfortable for a reader to have to sit through that. Inexperience is one thing, but reducing their mental age is not the way to show that.
My one complaint was that Cragnorr and Mia both seemed too naive and childish when it came to the spice—even if they were both virgins. These characters are in their twenties, but the way they talked about things made them seem much, much younger. It was a bit uncomfortable for a reader to have to sit through that. Inexperience is one thing, but reducing their mental age is not the way to show that.
January 3, 2025
I was put off by the modern writing of this book, it tends to break immersion for me. When I pick up a medieval fantasy romance, I expect the characters to speak as though they are from that era, not whatever this is.
There wasn't much characterization either and the conflict and peril felt rather boring to me. Yes, some moments were sweet and all, but the book felt very meh overall and I couldn't get into it despite the promising premise. While this is first and foremost a romance, I do believe that world building would have benefitted the story quite nicely. Being fed spoonfuls of "My Mia, mine mine mine!" made for a very sappy experience.
There wasn't much characterization either and the conflict and peril felt rather boring to me. Yes, some moments were sweet and all, but the book felt very meh overall and I couldn't get into it despite the promising premise. While this is first and foremost a romance, I do believe that world building would have benefitted the story quite nicely. Being fed spoonfuls of "My Mia, mine mine mine!" made for a very sappy experience.
September 14, 2024
This book brought the heat really early and I'm here for that. We start with a simple story of a village girl adopting and hiding an orphaned Ogre then skip to them all grown up. He's the strong silent type and she, well she is a little basic and annoying but not in a bad way. They have to flee the village together and she doesn't seem to bothered by that. Nether of them really know what they are doing in the trouser department, but gee they do it well. We get several spicy scenes all through out the book so there is more than enough spice to keep the story going.
The story itself is a little slow in terms of content but makes up for it with the interactions between the characters. It's delicious smutty fun.
The story itself is a little slow in terms of content but makes up for it with the interactions between the characters. It's delicious smutty fun.
September 15, 2024
There is something about the Trollkin Series that makes me crazy for the breeding trope. Having these Trolls, Orcs, and Ogres go so feral over their women, their mates... sets my heart on fire.
Cragnorr is so innocent and sweet. He's so protective of his soft little human, and he is just too cute.
He and Mia find their little slice of heaven on earth, making their life the way they want it ♡Cragnorr is her sweet, gentle giant who is wild and free!
Cragnorr is so innocent and sweet. He's so protective of his soft little human, and he is just too cute.
He and Mia find their little slice of heaven on earth, making their life the way they want it ♡Cragnorr is her sweet, gentle giant who is wild and free!
September 13, 2024
Another Trollkin story?! Sold! If you have seen my reads this year, you know that I am a big Trollkin Lovers fan and an even bigger Lyonne Riley fan. I have been loving this monster romance so much and the interconnecting stories that showcase the hardship of each race faces. This story follows Cragnorr and Mia, two childhood friends that fall in love and go through a CRAZY journey because of it. I will say I really liked Cragnorr’s character and can understand his innocence due to circumstances, though I did get slight secondhand embarrassment when he was learning about…himself lol. Both Mia and Cragnorr were a bit too naive for my liking (and Mia talks…A LOT), but I still enjoyed the story overall! The spice is always good in Riley’s books and this one was no different! Very sexy and primal. Knowing The Ogre’s Heart is an addition to the Trollkin Lovers series.
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