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Stolen Harlots #2

Running from the Orc

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My captor had best understand one I am not easy prey.

Being stolen by orcs was bad enough, but now I have been saddled with one who thinks himself charming. Aye, so mayhap he is handsome—for an orc. But he is still a tusked, green, seven-foot-tall barbarian, and I have no intention of staying his prisoner.

However, he is a hunter, and when I escape, he tracks me down and makes me…apologize in the best sort of way. I shouldn’t think of this as a game, but I can’t deny the way it makes my blood pound to be chased through the forest by such a male, and with such pleasure at stake.

He doesn’t realize I am a determined sort of female, and I know what I want. If running from him will obtain it, then I will run. And he will hunt.

Another super-spicy, instalove romp featuring the Harlot’s Guide’s list of positions.

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 23, 2024

126 people are currently reading
100 people want to read

About the author

Caroline Lee

163 books657 followers

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5 stars
246 (47%)
4 stars
155 (29%)
3 stars
100 (19%)
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18 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Madison Warner Fairbanks.
3,450 reviews495 followers
August 23, 2024
Running from the Orc by Veronika Kane, Caroline Lee
2nd in the Stolen Harlots series. Historical medieval Scottish Orc romance with light erotic elements. Alternating 1st person POV.
Lady Roxanna Tarbert was threatened with Orcs by her nursemaid if she didn’t behave. Roxanna didn’t believe her then and is shocked when she’s kidnapped by one as an adult. He’s a pretty shade of green though. Forced to ride on his lap for days on end, heading to his family’s village, Roxanne begins to know Varkaan and realize he is treating her with respect but she still thinks she should run away. He’s a hunter at heart.
Chase. Hunt. Catch. Pin. Take. Mine.
Being hunted by Varkaan is actually…pleasing. In that special way of his.

Steamy, sexy and fun in a hapless and harmless prey sort of way. Whew, hot. Looking forward to next Friday’s release.
Profile Image for Brittanica Bold.
578 reviews71 followers
August 20, 2024
The Stolen Harlots series features 3 heroines who are “stolen” by a group of orcs in order to help unite the humans and the orcs, as well as save our MC’s (Varkaan’s) orc clan, Bladesedge, from the Bloodfire clan.

Roxanna, our book 2 heroine, is definitely the hellraiser of the 3 women! She has a sharp tongue that she uses to defend herself with, as well as uses to build up walls around her heart…at least initially! With how equal everyone in the orcs’ clan is treated (feminism at its finest), I loved seeing an FMC who was strong and willing to give hell to her orcish mate. Don’t get me wrong, book 1 heroine Sorcha definitely had her role, but I definitely liked the fire we saw from Roxanna.

I liked how Gelma, our three MCs’ grandmother and the one behind the entire prophecy running through this series, was much more prevalent in this story than the first. She definitely added a bit of humor and knowledge to this story, and I absolutely adored her relationship with Roxanna while Varkaan was away on his hunt.

And OH MY GOD, the primal kink! We got not one, not two, but THREE primal scenes which I am a BIG fan of!

Thank you to Caroline Lee/Veronika Kane for the opportunity to read a copy of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed above are honest and my own.

4.25 stars!
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,126 reviews27 followers
August 19, 2024
Accompanying her sister to meet her betrothed, Roxanna and her party are waylaid by orcs, and abducted by one in particular who’s convinced she’s his mate. She’s both terrified and turned on by the brawny green guy with special features, but worried for her sister and cousin, who’ve been taken as well.
She repeatedly tries to escape only for him to recapture her and entice her with what he can do for and to her.

Helping his brother claim his human bride, Varkaan instantly recognizes the fiery Roxanna as his mate. When she finally decides to stop running from him, she faces the orc head on, meeting his passion with her own.

This was another quick and steamy book in Caroline Lee’s series, and I’m looking forward to Effie’s story as well. What I loved most was that Roxanna is no retiring miss, nor is she an untried virgin, and there is no violence perpetrated against any of the women by the orcs. It’s safe, sane, consensual, and very hot.

I was generously sent an advance reader copy from the author and bookfunnel, and I’m enthusiastically sharing my honest review.
Profile Image for Jen.
278 reviews2 followers
August 21, 2024
Highlander Orcs may be my new favorite thing??

Roxanna is strong-willed and feisty. She goes after what she wants. Varkaan is a charming, lady's man... Orc. He is instantly enthralled by Roxanna's firey spirit. But he also thinks that his brother will send her back to the human world on the next full moon.

I love when the human is the one to put the pieces together and realize they are Mates. It especially works with Roxanna.

(ARC)
118 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2024
Freakin Fabulous! Best " one handed read" ever!
I'm primarily a historical romance reader, but this Stolen Harlots series, is a fun, extra steamy read, that will rock your world, so go ahead and add this to your tbr, you won't be sorry!
Profile Image for Sue.
145 reviews4 followers
September 1, 2024
2nd book inn the Stolen Harlots series by Caroline Lee & Veronica Kane.
This was a short fun read.
The banter between the main characters made me smile and laugh outloud.
668 reviews2 followers
November 30, 2025
After finishing book one, I immediately started this book. This is the story of Roxanna who was raised on the story of orcs. She travels with Varkaan. He is the hunter. He often spends his time alone. Now he has a human in his space. It is a steamy book and I'm looking forward to the next book.
Profile Image for Melissa Chapman.
444 reviews11 followers
February 4, 2025
Cute, short and fun. This is the second in the trilogy, following the sister and second woman 'stolen' by the Highland Orc's.
I loved the fun chase and energy of this book.
Profile Image for Dr. Lillian.
276 reviews
August 23, 2024
Roxanna, along with her sister Sorcha and their cousin Effie, are abducted during the night of the full moon when orcs travel through a standing stone circle. Varkaan, hunter of the Bladesedge Clan, is the orc who snags Roxanna and takes her through the stones, and as a result is meant to bring her to the village to await the Chief's return with his mate, Sorcha (featured in the first book). Roxanna is tired of not having control of her life (it's medieval times, after all, and women on Earth are property), so instead of being docile, she chooses to run... but Varkaan is the best hunter of the clan for a reason and sparks fly when he catches her.

The fast pace of the novella doesn't skimp on characterization for Roxanna and Varkaan, who are perfect for each other. Roxanna believes from her experiences that her options are limited because she is a woman, and she wants a life that's more than that so she fights against expectations. Varkaan, for all he contributes to the clan and seems easy breezy, is a bit lonely and needs something to change in his life and to be challenged. I especially loved Roxanna's discovery of the respectful attitude toward females in the orc village, which happens to have strong matriarchal roots, and the ease with which she finds her place.

Age gap: Ages not mentioned but get the feeling the characters are mature, young adults, late teens/early 20s maybe (it's medieval times-ish).

Tropes: Primal play (hunter/prey), monster/orc romance, medieval times-ish, Fated Mates, non-virgin heroine, instalust/instalove

SFCP (safe for childless people); main characters do not get pregnant/have a baby. Epilogue mentions wanting children/kits but using a form of contraception ("a moon tea").

I received an ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
2,988 reviews30 followers
Read
August 20, 2024
4.25 stars. Roxanna, the female human lead, may be a lady but, as a younger sister, she’s been considered less valuable and has been able to explore a little more in life. Just because she’s been abducted by orcs doesn’t mean she’s planning to hang around to see what they want.

Varkaan, the male orc lead, has been his clan’s premier hunter for long enough that he’s certainly not going to let his assigned human female escape. But when she runs, more than his hunting instinct is triggered…

This novella is dual POV, well written and edited, and a sweet and steamy, historical fantasy romantic comedy. I enjoyed Roxanna’s self confidence and determination to be self-determining. I enjoyed Varkaan’s shock at his responses to Roxanna’s provocation. I enjoyed their intimate interactions and that Roxanna was willing to instigate. I enjoyed the resolution. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Ebc_readsmut.
280 reviews9 followers
March 2, 2025
3.5 🌟 🌶️🌶️ I enjoyed this second book more! It jumps right in (with a brief run down of the events that happened to bring our new FMC into the land of the orc)

This one was easier to read, I think the author toned down on the foreign/old writing style a little, which helped it flow more.

I also enjoyed these characters as well. Roxanna is as he describes her, a spitfire & I liked her fight. Varkaan is a little less surly & I enjoyed his light heartedness.

I really like the pace of these stories, they’re short but have enough substance to keep it interesting and the spice is good! I like the funny names for the positions 🤣 and the FMCs eagerness to explore them.

👍🏻gotta love some primal play as well, run & I’ll chase & claim you

👍🏻mates

And I’m excited to get to the really grumpy brother’s story. I feel like it’ll have more emotion.
Profile Image for Grace Leonora Griffiths.
159 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2024
Another fantastic addition to the Stolen Harlots series.
This story is of Roxanna and Varkaan. Roxanna is Sorcha's sister, kidnapped on the same evening.
As the book eludes, Roxanna enjoys running from her capture. Just does she do it to run from him or to excite him?
Another great mix of historical romance with an Orc as the main live interest. Again the steam is steamy and the writing draws you in. Veronika Kane is fast becoming one of my go to authors for light, steamy and page turning reads.
Profile Image for Beata Beatrix.
444 reviews9 followers
August 18, 2024
That's the story for all ladies who enjoy a good primal play spice!

🔸️Roxanna is a sassy, fierce, rebelious lady, who knows how to tease her kidnapper (and she is very good at it 😏). And Varkaan? He really wants to behave, but Roxanna will not have it at all, untill she excels at awaking his primal urges. 😁😉
🔸️Juicy, hot, delicious to read and very kinky. 🔥🔥🔥

P.S. "Invasion of Brussels" that's a name! 🤣🤣🤣
2,321 reviews11 followers
August 19, 2024
Such a Fun Story!
Another fun story with two well matched main characters. Roxanna keeps trying to run away from Varkaan but he is too good at tracking her down. I loved her moment of realisation when she knows she is in love and what to do about it.
This was a super romp into pure fantasy with quite a bit of passion and steam and it was so easy to read and become engrossed in with all the action.
I read an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my review of it.
Profile Image for K..
411 reviews6 followers
August 23, 2024
Another great orc read from this author!

I loved how fiery both of the main characters were in this book. It gave the short story such dimension and added to the primal chase of their relationship. Even conversation was a back and forth ebb and flow between them.

And holy hotness the primal trope in this is YUMMY. Initially Roxanna is running from what she thinks is her unfortunate circumstances, but realizing she loves this male orc chasing her is a turning point in their relationship that was so fun to read about unraveling.
Profile Image for Bethany.
1,325 reviews39 followers
September 1, 2024
This is about Roxanna and Varkaan. Roxanna is the sister of Sorcha and her cousin Effie, who are all kidnapped by orcs. Roxanna is feisty and ends up with the charming Varkaan. This was a bit like a sunshine/grump trope. And I really liked their dynamic. There was a part of the novel where they aren't together which I found unnecessary. I did like how closely the first book connects to this one.

Still enjoying these Highlander Orcs!
Profile Image for Olivia.
489 reviews
August 19, 2024
Human woman Roxanna gets escorted to an orc village by Varkaan, the brother of the chief who has kidnapped Roxanna’s sister. While Roxanna struggles to run away, Varkaan gives chase. He tries his best to be gentlemanly and careful with Roxanna, but he’s pretty quick to be overcome with lust. Luckily for him, Roxanna is totally on board. Quick and steamy, low-angst novella.
Profile Image for BookishMya.
1,127 reviews16 followers
August 28, 2024
The thrill of the hunt will get your blood pumping. Roxanna is a woman who knows what she wants, she is tough and she is a fighter. This makes for an interesting mix when taken by Orcs in the night. Alone with Varkaan, she quickly finds her anger morphing into something a little hotter. These two are hot, fiery and like-minded. This story is a bit of an awakening for Roxanna realizing the life she expected is not what she truly wants. I loved the battle of wills between these two. They keep you on your toes guessing where they will settle in the enemies to lovers scale. And it’s always a treat to granny Gelma as she steers the couple together. This is a fast paced, quick read with plenty of spice. A great introduction to the Orc world.
750 reviews4 followers
August 25, 2024
Extra

She was an extra. They only crossed over for her sister. Now she and her cousin would need held until an agreement could be made. She was determined to run,but her captivating orc was interesting. What adventures could happen? What might she explore from the book? Grab your copy and read!
897 reviews2 followers
August 26, 2024
Varkaan and Roxanna

Varkaan is an orc who helped his chief raid the human realm for his mate, but they also took two extra females. Roxanna was to be protected by Varkaan. She wanted to return home, but things have a way of changing as time goes on. Really cute, steamy, enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Emily.
113 reviews
February 14, 2025
Lolll love these harlots. I did really enjoy it actually no matter how cringe it is. I feel like I’m learning things about myself with these themes though…. Idk if I like that I enjoy this? I mean I can’t focus too hard on the orc thing. Like I have to humanize them a bit but I’m not totally turned off by it. Varkaan has my heart though forsure
Profile Image for ButtonsMom2003.
3,800 reviews40 followers
November 6, 2025
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5

OMG was this story ever hot! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 This is only the second Orc romance I’ve read and I liked it even better than book one in this series. I’ve never read a “primal play” BDSM book before and Varkaan hunting/chasing Roxanna was pretty hot and interesting. I’m really enjoying listening to this series!
4,497 reviews24 followers
August 24, 2024
Great storyline, filled with action and adventure. The characters are well written and entertaining. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this book as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
Profile Image for Alex Silver.
626 reviews24 followers
August 26, 2024
1.9/5

What a wasted opportunity for a grovel.


Monster (orc). Fluff. Bad plot/loose threads/simple and dumb. “Lady” FMC. Charming hunter MMC. Push and pull. Hunting. Primal. Biting/marking. Huge cock with ridges.
No breeding. No pregnancy. Epilogue at Yule with her as the “present”.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,104 reviews22 followers
August 30, 2024
Wonderful story of Varkaan and Lady Roxanna Tarbert, an Orc and human who's attraction can not be denied. Loved these characters and how both are so stubborn and yet perfect for each other. Laugh out loud and romantic. Great read!
Profile Image for Nicki.
Author 21 books265 followers
August 31, 2024
Fun read

Short, fun read. I think I had a smile plastered on my face from the first page to the last. Loved the chemistry brought on by the chase. Can't wait to read the last book in the series.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,926 reviews6 followers
September 10, 2024
Really Great Series

I'm so enjoying this series and all the characters. I loved Roxanna and Varkaan’s story. These two took a little bit to figure out they were mates. It all makes for a fun read that I read straight through.
Profile Image for Tiffany Scherschel.
167 reviews2 followers
September 19, 2024
Super cute, quick, fun take on historical Scottish romance. Liked the first one a little better, but this was still cute!

I liked the additional peek at the Orc world that we got in this book.

Looking forward to book 3!
Profile Image for Kiara.
256 reviews3 followers
October 17, 2024
This trope or kink or whatever it is I think is so fun. Especially in books and especially in this genre. Roxanna was my favourite to read about and I immediately started this after finishing the first book.
468 reviews10 followers
November 4, 2024
Fun medieval orc romance!

I enjoyed this story. There was a bit of primal play and angst despite the shortness of the story. If you’ve read the first book of this series, this one just makes you fall in love with the orcs of this series even more. Quick, funny, and steamy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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