Bound to the Orc Renegade

Brides of the Moon Blade Clan #2

by Krista Luna

Ooops! That orc I just crashed into is my “married at first sight” husband .

If someone told me I’d land in a fantasy world and meet my seven-foot husband by flinging myself into his arms so hard we end up horizontal, I’d have laughed it off as a joke. I’m tiny.

But it turns out I’m a witch with hidden powers! I can move things with my mind! Instead of being upset I keep crashing into him, the gorgeous orc warrior is thrilled I’m so powerful.

Krivoth also says I’m his. As in his bride, already goddess-matched and married.

But I know marriage is an empty promise, no matter how much his tempting touch makes my pulse flutter.

Enemies want me for my magic, and I need to learn my powers fast. The more my practice sessions throw me into the safety of Krivoth’s strong arms, the more I fall for him. But who’s going to protect my heart?


Bound to the Orc Renegade is a steamy fantasy monster romance featuring a grumpy orc warrior who falls fast and a sunshiny heroine eager to level up. Welcome to the Moon Blade Clan, where heart-melting romance, toe-curling steam, magic, and adventure combine into stories you’ll devour.

Genres: Fantasy, Monster Romance, Romance, Magic, Monsters, Paranormal, Fantasy Romance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Krista Luna writes spicy fantasy and paranormal romance featuring otherworldly men and the strong women they can’t live without. She loves combining sizzling romance with thrilling adventure, laugh-out-loud humor, and cozy found families full of best friends and talking animals.

When she’s not writing, you can find Krista reading or watching her latest fantasy or scifi favorite, all while eating chocolate. Because there’s always chocolate.

Reviews

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantasy romance packed with silliness and adventure. Taylor made sense of the world she was dropped into through looking at everything through the eyes of a gamer girl. She was a lil bit spunky, reasonably self-confident, and able to roll with the punches. Krivoth was utterly obsessed with getting a bit of glory and recognition, in hopes he would finally get his father’s approval. They were both able to increase each other’s self-confidence and were devoted to each other’s well being.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: accidental drugging, sexual activity while under the influence of accidental drugs, violence, mild gore, death, attempted abduction, attempted assault, coma from poison, sexism in workplace, parental emotional abuse, death of parent (off page)

[Sarah McDonald · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Good girl” was used far too often in this book. I didn’t count but in one spicy scene, it was used at least 10 times.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review✨

I let my ARC’s get away from me for a minute there, but I’m so thankful I got to head back to the Moon Blade Clan! After the last book, I was dying to see things go well for Krivoth. It was lovely to see him grow and stand up for himself. The relationship between him and Taylor is so precious 🥹

Storm, Mist, and the sprites were a lovely addition of grumpiness and sass to this story. These books are so feel-good and happy. I can’t wait to read the next one!

P.S. Shoutout to Krista for the gamer/nerdy girl representation!

“God, it’s like someone crossed the Hulk with Legolas.”

“I should probably be put off by the tusks and the green skin and the size difference, but I’ve been playing, reading, and watching fantasy since I was a little kid. Even at five, I felt cheated when Beast turned back into the Prince.”

Read this if you enjoy:
🗡️ Hot Orc’s/monsters
🦄 Unicorns/magical creatures
🗡️ Instalove/fated mates
🦄 “Good girl”

[Knotty Hooker · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book contains the word ‘effing’ 37 fucking times. That’s three seven. An absolutely excessive amount. Did you know, Taylor is small?! She’s so tiny. She’s so little. Everything about her is so so small. 🤮🤮 the way she’s described is really gross and not the way an adult woman should be described. The video game references were overkill. Krivoth and Taylor were both very annoying. They deserve each other.

[Daji Luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Im all for having a praise kink.. but every sentence should not have good girl in it 🙈 it was an ok book but dnf it since the dialogue felt a bit immature and too repetitive for me.

[Cas ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor and Krivoth are my favorite duo from the Moon Blade Clan now. 😍 They’re SO precious, their animal companions 🐱🦄 rock, Krivoth and I have the same “not good enough” complex, and I love me a relatable gamer girl.

There are so many good things about this book that aren’t listed above, like the praise shmink 😏, but ultimately what makes this book a five star read is what has made all of Krista’s other books that I’ve read five star reads — she’s just really damn good at writing a well-balanced and compelling story. There’s always action and adventure to balance out the smutty spicy goodness, always lots of comfort to go with any hurt, never anything too anxiety inducing but definitely enough intrigue to keep you turning the pages, especially towards the end. Her characters are multifaceted, relatable, and a lot of fun — the women are always strong in their own ways, whether it be their determination, emotional fortitude and empathy, or incredible problem solving, and the male-folk are always respectful towards women consent kings, great at dirty talk (and more), and all around just really attractive in the ways that I want my fictional men. 🥰 And side characters are never throw aways, they always add additional richness to the story and you can always look forward to seeing them again in future books, which I love.

Taylor and Krivoth’s chemistry was awesome, their quest was interesting, and Mist & Storm were incredible companions. I loved the dynamics between the four of them, especially the bickering between magical animals. I haven’t met a fictional cat I haven’t completely adored, and Mist’s sassy cattitude made her my instant favorite lol. 🐾🐈‍⬛♥️

Finally, as spoiler free as I can keep it, I really loved how Krista handled Krivoth’s emotional baggage, especially things with his father. It was a very satisfying way for things to be resolved. I’m really looking forward to how the Moon Blade Clan grows closer and stronger under its new conditions, and I’m looking forward to seeing what surprises Krista Luna brings us next! 💚

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved my adventure with the Moon Blade Clan and meeting Krivoth and Taylor. I thought it might end up being similar to the first book, but it felt completely different, which was good.

I adored Mist and Storm, they were perfect additions to the book. Their banter was so funny, and I could imagine them on the quest.

I'm already looking forward to the next book and seeing who gets paired up ❤️

[Meagan Grauel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this was certainly a book. Had some decent aspects, but overall was a little cringey for my taste. Things the reader can expect from this story are video game references, magical creatures, anthropomorphic/sentient animals, adventure, he falls first, witches, knotting, pierced equipment, and a guaranteed HEA. The plot is fairly decent, if written a bit choppy. The spice is pretty good, about a 2/5. Whoever did the cover art on this novel paid an absurd amount of detail to the orc's nipples and forearm veins. If that's what orcs look like and not the LOTR version, you can sign me up.

So ... a couple of things when it comes to orc anatomy and the spicy scenes. Orc seed is an aphrodisiac and isn't cum. But when Krivoth gets hard/aroused, that orc seed just continually seeps out? (As I understood it anyway) Enough so that he can scoop it out of his pants to rub it into the FMC's skin ... that would be so disgusting! I don't think he would have any clean clothes after like two boners. They're living in pretty primitive like settings and don't wash stuff as often, nor do they really talk about cleaning things up. In fact ... it seems like the FMC just walks around with jizz juice all over her body after each encounter. Barf.
But that brings up another point. These characters are walking around in the woods for weeks, with only the cleansing cloths for any kind of cleaning to be done. They have also engaged in several battles and having likely sweat a ton. So ... jumping each other's bones would have been wholly nasty. Weeks worth of grime and dirt, and the FMC hasn't washed her hair, so that has to be nasty too. Combine that with Krivoth covering the FMC in his orc seed every chance he gets, it's ultra nasty. Especially the scene where the FMC chooses to give Krivoth a blow job BEFORE he takes a bath ... he even suggests that they take a bath first, but she wants him in his sweaty groin funk glory. Again, barf.
I am here for any kink books have to offer, and who doesn't LOVE a "good girl" kink? I for sure do. However, I found while reading this book, a character can tell another that she's a "good girl" too much. It was so over the top and almost every sentence during their sex scenes, that it really just sounded ridiculous. And honestly, if that were me, I wouldn't think he meant it if it was something he was saying damn near constantly. I know that she told him to call her his "good girl," but I think it's a phrase that's better used in moderation.
Definitely a fan of the fact that cock piercings are just an acknowledgement of accomplishments in orc society. And there's a special one at the base that searches out the best way to pleasure a partner??! It would be like having a built in bullet vibrator every time you had sex. Damn. Knotting that takes hours seems like overkill though. Hours being stuck on a dick? You'd really have to do some yoga to make sure that your hip flexors didn't get overworked.

The plot was fairly decent and I think that's what kept me reading this one. Not the FMC and Krivoth's will they/won't they sexual tension that would usually draw me into a book. I like the concept of the two characters meet-cute and their quest together. It really did play out like a video game adventure and I liked that the FMC kept using her video game knowledge and expertise to her advantage. Everything made sense all laid out and had a nice bow at the end to tie everything together and for the characters to get their HEA.

Something that isn't addressed @ all in the book - what about the FMC going back to wrap up her old life? The Moon Goddess pulls her from her life/world into this one with her moon bound husband and she just never gets to go back at all? Nothing changes for Krivoth and everything changes for the FMC? Seems highly unfair. She has a life back in her world, including a mom and an aunt who have described their lives as "missing something." Do they belong in this world too, since their best guess is that these women are meant to be in the land to access their magic? Maybe this issue is addressed in the next book in the series, but it seems like something that the two characters should have at least discussed. But I guess the FMC got too lost in the good orc dick and knotting to remember that she has another life.

I honestly considered DNF'ing this book but was about 75% into it, so I decided to finish it. I don't feel like it was a total waste of my time, but I don't think I'll be reading any others in the series. I honestly think it was all the "good girls" that the FMC was called. As far as orc monster books go, it was okay, so it might be for you. Don't knock it until you've tried it!

[SinsandScares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I’ve really been enjoying Krista Luna’s Brides of the Moon Blade Clan series, and Bound to the Orc Renegade was another fun addition. The spice? Absolute chef’s kiss. The story itself was more low-stakes, and while I enjoyed it, I do think the book could have been a bit shorter to tighten up the pacing.

One thing I continue to appreciate about this series is the diversity among the FMCs. Each one has been unique physically, which is refreshing to see. That said, I didn’t feel like I got to know Taylor as well as I would’ve liked. She almost felt like a side character at times, especially compared to Krivoth, who had a solid redemption arc (though his obsession with glory had me a little nervous). Also, if I never read the phrase “good girl” again, it’ll be too soon.

Overall, this was light, fluffy, and exactly the kind of palate cleanser I need between my horror reads. I’ll definitely be continuing the series!

[Emma GD · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scream I gave when my ereader told me this book was waiting! And it did not disappoint! It’s funny and sexy and I spent as much time giggling and kicking my feet as I did swooning!

Taylor’s a gamer girl. I’m not, but that didn’t matter any. I still related to her so hard! She’s spunky and geeky, and I laughed so much when she said Krivoth was the Hulk crossed with Legolas. Her power is so much fun and keeps throwing them to the ground together. I want a big orc to roll around with!

Krivoth was seriously hot with a dirty mouth and lots of good girl praise that had me melting. The scene with the faerie fruit! IYKYK.

Krivoth’s story tore at my heart, but loving Taylor helped him grow past all of that! It was one of the best looks at breaking out of childhood stuff and showing hope and love! It ended like a big hug.

[Frida · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a fan of fantasy and monster romance, I was excited to dive into "Bound to the Orc Renegade" by Krista Luna. The premise intrigued me: a human witch named Taylor is magically transported to a fantasy world and finds herself married to Krivoth, a towering orc warrior. Their relationship starts off with a bang—literally—as she accidentally knocks him off his feet with her surprising and completely unknown powers.

The book shines in its world-building and the chemistry between Taylor and Krivoth. Taylor's journey from a somewhat discouraged and disillusioned woman, who had to prove herself in the male-dominated gaming scene, to a confident and powerful witch is well-crafted. I enjoyed the moments where her newfound powers played a crucial role, especially during their adventurous quests and battles. This was empowerment done right.

Krivoth, sick and tired of always only being second best, has left his village in a mix of frustration and rebellion, eager to prove his worth and gain glory and praise. His blend of brute strength and unexpected tenderness, made for a compelling hero. His protective nature and the way he gradually opens up to Taylor added depth to his character. He not only seeks praise for his actions but surely knows how to praise his moon bound 😜

However, there were aspects that fell short for me. The pacing at times felt uneven, with some parts dragging while others rushed through significant events. While the romance between Taylor and Krivoth was steamy and engaging, some of the dialogue felt clichéd and detracted from the emotional impact.

Overall, "Bound to the Orc Renegade" is an enjoyable read for those who love fantasy and monster romances with strong, likable heroines and warrior heroes. I’d give it 3.25 stars—good, but with room for improvement.

*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving the ARC didn't affect my opinion of the book.

[PleaseGoAwayImReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series, so I was very much looking forward to this one. It didn’t disappoint!

One minute, Taylor - our FMC- is engaged in an unavoidable confrontation with a couple of slimy, misogynistic colleagues in the modern world and the next— she’s falling through a forest and landing on a VERY built, very green male.

One minute, Krivoth- our MMC- is sick of not being good enough in meeting his family’s expectations, not being good enough for the moon goddess to send him a moon bound bride, and not good enough for his tribe, so he decides to pursue work that will take him out of his village and maybe provide him with some meaningful adventure. Shortly after, Krivoth finds himself coming to the rescue of a pretty human woman with witchy powers who seemingly fell from the sky.

And so goes the meet cute of Krivoth and Taylor. Hilarity, a semi slow burn, some sexy time, and the return of an old foe ensue, as does some introspection for both main characters.

I love the world building from this author, and how she is able to deliver cute couplings along with dealing with very real emotional insecurities — what if I’m not enough? What if I fail? What if s/he changes his/her mind? I will be happy if I can just get X job, etc. it’s not just her Orc and human characters who go through this, the reader can see him/herself reflected in these misgivings and feelings of self-doubt, which makes the story all the more powerful.

Go give this one a read!

[Anne-Marie Romance Reader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and spicy book in the Brides of the Moon Blade Clan series!

Krivoth has spent his whole life feeling unworthy and like he's always failing to live up to expectations. Taylor may come from a different world but she also knows how it feels to be always on the outside of things and fell like she's always trying to prove herself. When the Moon Goddess intervenes to bring bring them together, can they help to heal each other and find happiness?

One of the things I love most about this series is fated mates brought together who help each other to find their own worth and happiness. Who doesn't dream of a partner that sees your worth and loves you for who you are despite your self-perceived shortcomings? And of course it wouldn't be a Krista Luna book without an awesome animal friend to add some sass and fun to the adventure! Mist is definitely someone I'd love to go on a quest with!

This book also brings some heat with fated mates who can't resist their attraction to each other. Add in a trip across a beautiful land with streams, hot springs, caves, and camping, and there is lots of time for spice and romance!

[kymagirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor's (h) life turns upside down when she's transported from her game development job to a fantastical world where she discovers she has telekinetic powers. Her first encounter with Krivoth (H), a seven-foot-tall orc warrior, is unforgettable—she knocks him off his feet. Krivoth declares Taylor his moon-bound bride, matched by a goddess. Skeptical of love and marriage due to her past, Taylor must learn to harness her newfound powers to survive. Krivoth is on a quest to save his unicorn companion, Storm, from a deadly sleep spell, all while trying to prove his worth to his father and clan. Together, Taylor and Krivoth face dangerous landscapes and fierce battles, with their connection growing stronger by the day. Joined by Mist, a mischievous cat sith, they embark on an adventure filled with magic, danger, and unexpected romance. Hot and steamy monster fated mates romance set in the Moon Blade Clan, where a touch of angst, feels, danger, fantasy, magic, and adventure blend together.

[Dana McKee NOLA504NERDS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything – a magical geek heroine, a strong orc warrior, fantasy, spice, silliness, laughter, and adventure. Between going out of town for BB24 and having surgery, I got behind on my ARC’s and ALC’s. I’m ashamed to say I took too long to read this one. Which is unusual for me when it comes to Krista Luna’s books. I love the way she writes and how amazingly she tells a story. The world she has built is so interesting and fun. Krivoth is such a strong warrior. His grumpy demeanor is no match for Taylor’s sunshiny personality. Being a big nerd myself, I love female mc’s who are geeky/nerdy. Their quirkiness always takes monsters/aliens/orcs by surprise. Krivoth may be a warrior, but he was powerless against Taylor’s charms. Their chemistry was hot, hot, hot. I think this one is my favorite in this series so far! Thank you to the author for gifting me this fun and smeggsy read in exchange for an honest review.

5 Grumpy-Hulk Stars!
NOLA504Nerds blog

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krivoth has really matured as a character since we met him in previous books !

From a hot headed-easily provoked Orc, he’s grown into a caring, protective Husband, a perfect match for Taylor

The sassy, smart mouthed side characters are always exciting to get to know !

Whether it’s a grumpy unicorn or a cheeky cat sith, these characters add a lovely chunk of humour to these books

Tropes
-Mates
-Mega pierced peen !
-Knotting 🪢 —Special aphrodisiac sauce !!
-Good girl praise
-Mutual ma$turbat!on

“There’s my good girl…”

[Mia Mia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gamer girl gets pulled through a portal into a world of magical creatures. She meets Krivoth, a delicious Orc warrior and they team up for an important quest. This is cozy adventure meets sinful spice. ooh and Taylor has a praise kink which means the audio is full of “good girl” moments. I loved it but also it felt a bit overused. There are other ways to praise. ❤️💋🔥 I liked this one and it was easy to fall into the world but this one felt a wee bit repetitive. Still it’s warm, adventurous and a steamy little escape.

[Jesse Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect addition to the series! Krivoth definitely deserved his own story, and it did not disappoint! Taylor is such a character, I love her spunk! And how can you not adore Unicorns, Sprites and Cat Siths?! It takes found family to another level. Magic, adventure, bad guys, good guys, special 'endowments', this is what I would call a win!

[Kay H · Rating 2 out of 5]

The magic of the first two books flew right out the window with this one. Two themes were repeated constantly throughout the book - she's a gamer and his would do anything for his dad's aporoval. The first turned annoying and the second lost all its impact. And while the FMCs in the first two books were able to master their magic, this FMC never seemed to. It felt incomplete.

[Sierra Burrous · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun story, none of the plots are super deep but are great if you want a smutty story with tiny bits of plot and lots of spicy scenes littered throughout. They are of consistent quality thus far in the series and are a lot of fun.

[Ashley Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am devouring these books and I love them!

[Sydney Britt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than the previous two, and definitely a cute story. But this also drags and I realized why- the author tells a whole scene from one MCs POV and the retells the whole scene from the POV of the other MC.

[Marian Pattechat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heartfelt, funny, steamy, and kick-ass love story by Krista Luna! The loveable characters and animal companions had me so invested that I devoured the book in two sittings (and only because I had to work 😆 ). I need to find a magic crystal to transport me to this world asap!

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: fated mates, grumpy/sunshine
Angst: 😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥1\2

Absolutely loved this story - probably my favorite of the series. A sweet romance with lots of spice, action, and adventure ❤. If you're a fan of geeky sunshine heroines and comically grumpy warrior orcs, then this book is going to check all your boxes. Can't wait for the next one!

[Gemma Keenan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t have words!
This is the best one yet now as much as I loved the other two stories from this world this one had a lot more risk AND actually had real problems I loved how both characters had to work through child hood trauma to come out on the other side all while trying to figure out this new life
They definitely have my heart 💓

[Dani (Daniiireads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to see that Bound to the Orc Renegade was Krivoth's story. His character really intrigued me in Ashley and Dravarr's book, and I loved getting to see his character grow from a hot headed jerk to a loving and wonderful husband. He just wanted to find his place in his clan and hopefully be granted a bride by the Mood Goddess, and she plopped Taylor into his life when he needed her the most.

Speaking of Taylor, I think she's probably my most favorite bride in the series so far. She was so spunky and sassy, and just an all around BAMF who took being dropped into Alarria, learning her magical abilities, and being fated to an orc in stride. Plus she really understood where Krivoth was coming from, and what it was like to feel like you didn't belong.

The chemistry and dynamic between them was fantastic, and I loved the banter between them too! & I seriously cannot wait for more of this series

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This was so effing cute!

We have Taylor (a gamer girl who is excited to find herself transported to a fantasy world), Krivoth (an orc who is equally ecstatic to find his moon match bride), a super fun quest and a few hilarious side characters!

I love when the main characters are in awe of each other and think themselves the lucky one. My only issue was that the spice had too much “good girl” (and that’s normally my jam), but I’ve been picky with smut lately so could just be my mood!

[Nevena · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥 “She is mine. Mine to please. Mine to praise.”
~~~
Taylor is the best! She’s a badass gamer and a talented game designer. She’s adventurous, clever and ready to face any challenges thrown her way. Even more, I loved her positive attitude, fierceness and courage. And she’s so much fun! Taylor is an absolute delight and I loved her so, so much!

Krivoth is an orc from the Moon Blade Orc Clan and a male who is looking for his place in the world, trying to prove himself worthy in the eyes of his father. Krivoth is strong, brave, loyal, honorable, very thoughtful and caring and fiercely protective. He might be a little bit grumpy, but he’s also incredibly charming and I absolutely adored his deliciously filthy mouth and dominance. Krivoth is an incredible male and I couldn’t help but adore every single thing about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Taylor and Krivoth! Determined to become part of the Orc King’s guard, Krivoth is sent on a quest to find a very special flower. But adventure is not everything that awaits him, because the Moon Goddess has very special plans for him! I absolutely adored Taylor and Krivoth together! I loved how supportive and understanding they were of each other. And their chemistry was fantastic right from the start. Also, their banters and teasings were an absolute delight to read. Even more, both have been underestimated their whole lives and I loved how both saw each other for what they truly were - two worthy and amazing people. And when they couldn’t resist the growing attraction, the passionate moments they shared were off-the-charts hot! Ohhhh, those orcs… are so, so swoon-worthy. Taylor and Krivoth were absolutely perfect for each other and more than deserved to find happiness and love together!

In addition, the storyline was phenomenal! Oh, I just love a quest filled with dangers and surprises. Even more, I love, love, love animal companions. I adore the grumpy unicorns in the series and Storm fits the grumpiness to a T. And when there’s also a sly and sassy cat sith and some very naughty sprites… There’s chaos, friendly competitions and just pure fun! With everything happening, I was glued to the pages till the very end.

Overall, the story is another incredible addition to the series! It’s filled with magic, adventure, danger, action, twists, humor, drama, suspense, smoking-hot passion and magnificent characters.

I couldn’t put it down and absolutely loved every page of it!

[Diana Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

FMC: Taylor
MMC(s): Krivoth
Tropes: Grumpy/Sunshine, touch her and perish, married at first sight, good girl praise, he falls first, new witch constantly knocks him on his feet and lands in in his arms, one bed, one unicorn
> Reviewer add: Sex pollen (sorta), Praise Kink, Dirty Talk, Size difference
Perspective: Dual first
Plot or character driven: Both
Spicy scenes breakdown:
> Present? Yes
> Detailed? Yes
> With only one character? Mutual scene.
> Multiple, with both/multiple characters? Yes
> Personal favorite? There’s a water scene. Yall know I’m weak for those!
> State of the joystick? Full Jacob's Ladder with another piercing above for his partners pleasure. With a knot.
> Anything else to note?
Burn speed: Medium-Fast
Can this be read as a stand-alone: Yes, but it’s going to make more sense if you have read other books in the series.
Re-Readability: High.
Monster level: 2 - Orc.
Content Notes: These are neither tropes nor warnings. Monster romance, orc romance, gamer girl, men’s mental health, fae
Content/Trigger Warnings/Enticements: At the front of book. Also a note about the sex pollen – it can’t create anything that’s not there, it just helps a little (she instigates).

I received an advanced reader copy of this book, and this is my voluntary, honest review.

“I sit upright, ready to figure out where I am. It’s like the start of any game, when you’re a new player who needs to get the lay of the land before you can really play.”

Taylor is working on a game design for a company when she gets whooshed to Alarria and almost gets whomped by an ogre. Krivoth shows up shortly with Storm (the unicorn) to begin their adventure.

This was wild and I loved it. It didn’t fit the normal formula, but we did have a game like adventure, with a furry companion (Storm and Mist), a really sweet romance, but also some surprises. There’s a lot of understated mental health things in here which I appreciate and which Krivoth has to work through – normally we see a lot of MH on the FMC side, but men’s MH is important to and I loved to see it.

We also get a little more foundation for the underlying world, which is what I would expect out of the author, and she does not disappoint. I’m really looking forward to seeing where she goes from here!

[Gleeful Goblin Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gleeful Goblin Review: As a gamer and obviously someone who loves romance stories, I really appreciate Taylor's (FMC) struggle in her human workplace that leads to her meet cute with Krivoth our MMC. Speaking of cute, I can't even describe how much I love the snarky unicorn companions in this universe! Storm is perfectly witty and a great counterpoint to Krivoth's big dreamer energy: “Faster.” I lean forward over Storm’s withers, my hands fisting in his silky mane to keep my seat. I have a mount! The lead unicorn agreed to partner with me once he saw the Moon Goddess summon me. I’m clearly an important fae now. That summons tugs on me, urging me ever closer to my sky gift. We’ve traveled for days. Then the goddess lit the night sky several hours ago, brightly enough to be seen for a long distance. That was her leaving a sky gift! And this sky gift’s mine. The bright moon of the goddess confirmed our direction. Not that I needed it—a deep knowing sits in my heart, pointing the way to my bride. It’s primal, beyond words. I’m a salmon leaping upstream to return to my spawning ground. I’m a bird flying halfway across the world to land unerringly on the spot of my first nest. Yet this is not a journey to anywhere I’ve ever been. This is a leap into the new and unknown. We traveled off the edge of the map several days ago. “If you want me to go faster, you’ll have to remove your great weight from my back,” Storm grumbles. “Are you too weak to carry an orc?” I say. He tosses his head, flashing his horn. “Clearly not. Look at how fast I run.” His next leap over a downed log has a little extra kick to it, and my butt lifts from the saddle. Thank the goddess, the small hut the orcs keep at the edge of the Umbriall Plains had one that fit him. Storm isn’t the easiest of mounts—none of the grumpy unicorns ever are—I’d never keep my seat riding bareback. But he’s right. He’s fast, strong, and tireless. His innate healing ability has allowed him to run almost continuously since we partnered a week ago. Pride fills me anew. I’ve been chosen by the king, by the goddess, and by a fierce unicorn. Only a handful of days into my new life, and I’m already more important than I’ve ever been!"

Krivoth's got Big Golden Retriever Energy despite being a grump and honestly, I can't get enough of it. This is a rollicking good ride and I don't just mean the unicorns. 5/5 Stars