The Orc's Heart: A Monster Fantasy Romance Novella

by Etta Wild

A healer in hiding. A warrior with scars deeper than his skin. And a love that defies the odds.

After a harrowing escape from her past, Nyssa has found refuge in an abandoned cabin, hoping to live out her days in peace and secrecy. But when Balthor, a rugged orc warrior with shadows of his own, returns to claim his home, her quiet life is shattered. Forced to share his space, Nyssa guards her secrets, yet Balthor’s quiet strength and guarded kindness begin to thaw the walls she’s built around her heart.

Balthor came back from the battlefield to forget the bloodshed and betrayal that drove him into isolation. He has no interest in company—especially not a stubborn human woman with secrets and a fear she won’t explain. Yet her resilience stirs something deep within him, rekindling a warmth he thought lost forever.

As danger closes in and Nyssa’s past threatens the fragile safety they’ve built, Balthor is forced to confront his demons to protect the woman who has reignited his heart.

The Orc’s Heart is a steamy, heartwarming fantasy romance featuring a resilient heroine and a scarred, protective orc hero. Perfect for readers who enjoy intense romance, strong heroines, and fiercely devoted alpha males.

Genres: Monster Romance, Fantasy

118 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2024

Reviews

[kymagirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyssa (h), a healer on the run from sadistic Lord Vashar, finds refuge in the snowy wilderness within the cabin of Balthor (H), a solitary orc warrior with a painful past of his own, who offers her unexpected protection. Initially wary, Nyssa and Balthor form a quiet bond as they navigate life in the cabin, finding solace in each other’s company. Balthor’s gentleness contrasts sharply with Nyssa’s traumatic past, where her healing abilities were exploited by Vashar to torture and control. Together, they confront their haunted histories, revealing scars and insecurities, as their connection grows and things heat up between the two. But Nyssa’s peace shatters when Vashar tracks her down, bringing her darkest fears to the doorstep of her new life. With Balthor fighting fiercely by her side, Nyssa will have to find the courage to stand her ground if she wants a future with Balthor. Hot and steamy orc-human romantasy, exploring love, attraction, survival, trust, resilience, freedom, family, community, and healing.

[Tima · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyssa, the female human healer lead, has escaped from the lord who was forcing her to heal people so he could torture them again. Desperately making her way through the snowy forest, she finds an empty cabin and takes refuge. She wakes to find Balthor, the male orc ex-warrior lead, hovering over her.

Expecting to be evicted, she’s shocked when Balthor welcomes her into his space and cares for her. But she’s certain the evil she escaped from will eventually catch up to her and doubts Balthor can keep her truly safe…

This short story is female lead POV, well written, and a sweet and steamy, orc/human, recovering from historical trauma, fantasy romance. I enjoyed Nyssa’s initiative that led to her escape, and her growing confidence in her ability to be free. I enjoyed Balthor’s gruff care and consideration, and his encouragement of Nyssa’s independence. I enjoyed the growing intimacy, and the final resolution to Nyssa’s past.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author and I loved the flow, world building character depth and plot. Nyssa has special skills and has been used and abused because of them. When she escapes and finds an empty cabin, she's cautious but knows she needs shelter from the weather. Balthor is surprised to see a human gal sleeping in his chair... These two learn to trust each other and work together, especially with her panic attacks and his old wounds. When her past comes calling, though, her heart stone, a gift from Balthor, lets him know she's in trouble. I loved seeing their passion grow from caring and respect, and his fab muscles ;P, and for them to get a wonderful HEA. I'm definitely looking forward to diving into the next book set in this fascinating world :D

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyssa has escaped from her cruel terroriser and is on the run. She is trying to keep at least one step ahead. It is bitterly cold. Suddenly she spies a cabin in the snow covered clearing. Exhausted, freezing, scared and seeking protection from the elements Nyssa enters without being invited in. It is a sanctuary, of sorts. Safe for the moment, she falls asleep.
Eventually she awakens to find Bathor, an orc, looking down at her. A story of violence where Nyssa is a victim, where the ravages of war, the harrowing events and experiences they have both encountered that have moulded them so far come into play. But hope is there too. Kindness, sexual attraction, patience, passion and bravery all play a part in this journey that I enjoyed.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I love it! Nyssa is a healer who has been held captive by a violent and cruel man. She somehow manages to escape and hides in a cabin on the mountain. This is how she meets Balthor. She is hiding in his home. I love how Balthor is so gentle with Nyssa and yet so strong. It takes a bit of time before Nyssa is able to share with Balthor who she is running from and the powers she possesses. They have fantastic chemistry, spice, and an excellent HEA. I will definitely be reading more books by Etta Wild!

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

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa has escaped her captivity to the Forest in winter. She finds a cabin in them that is empty from its owner. She takes a chance on the owner being better than the one she is running from. As she looks around she sees the owner must be an orc from the items in the cabin. She starts a fire and falls into a deep sleep in the chair in front of it. When she wakes it to Balthor. He’s a scared orc. He is kind from the beginning.
They settle into a comfortable routine from the beginning. As they get closer they open up to each other. Until her former owner comes to collect her and Balthor comes to her rescue.

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa & Balthor

The Orc's Heart moves quickly because it's a short, but it's worth the read and it's a great introduction to a new to me author. I really like Etta's writing style, the pacing of Nyssa & Balthor's story was wonderful and hooked me in from the start. The characters and the storyline is very well written filled with drama, danger, steam and everything a reader could love. I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed!.

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

[FRANCES COOPER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa has been chewed up and spit out by life. She is forced to use her healing gift as a weapon. A way for her owner to extend the torture of unfortunate souls. Nyssa escapes and finds solace and help in the most unexpected of places. In the protection and love of a gentle, hot as hell Orc named Balthor. Balthor wasn't looking for a mate. However, this defiant , rough and tumble little healer is making grooves into his heart. One of the best novellas I have ever read! Follow Nyssa and Balthor as they face head on the roadblocks that lay in the path of their happily ever after.

[Plainfilm · Rating 4 out of 5]

An orc finds a human hiding in his cabin. Seemed so simple, but this book managed to build a world and deep characters that will tug at your heart while they fall for each other and help reach other be whole. Got through this in one afternoon because it just sucks you in. Both characters are emotionally scarred but find their peace with one another on this beautiful and a bit steamy story.

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

[Caroline Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nyssa escaped her captive and while trudging through the snow she found an empty cabin it looked like it belonged to an orc who may never be back because of the war so Nyssa felt comfortable enough to have a nap and when she woke up there was a massive orc standing in front of her. Two souls that need healing and one that needs saving so can they save each other?. Fantastic story I loved it and the characters and I highly recommend reading this book.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Orc’s Heat” by Etta Wild

-A beautifully written orc-human romance with real emotional depth and slow-burn heat. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Nyssa and Balthor’s bond grows through trust, healing, and mutual respect. Set in a snowy forest, the story blends survival, danger, and steamy connection.

Touching, spicy, and full of heart—an excellent novella. I love the idea of a hearthstone…so protective and romantic.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bathor is an Orc warrior. Some wounds from his past have made him separate himself from others.
Nyssa is a magical healer running from a horrible past.
Orc, paranormal romance, magic, healer, OTT instalove HEA romance.

A huge thank you to Etta Wild and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sara Munoz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Monster Fantasy Romance Story has an intriguing story, well-crafted world and interesting characters. These characters are engaging, have chemistry, and well-crafted with unique personalities. This story has romance, action, drama, danger, adventure, twists, turns, chemistry and love with a HEA.

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Orc’s Heart by Etta Wild is a wonderful story filled with passion and action. I love orc males who are powerful yet can be gentle when pursuing their female human who is trying to escape horrendous treatment by another. Great world building, spice, and action.

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

[Merlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nyssa is an escapee on the ruin from her cruel captor. She stumbles across a cabin in the wilderness and with the snow she doesn't have much choice but to hope she can hold out for the night. When he returns to his cabin Balthor is surprised to find he has a guest. Unlike her captor he is kind to and gentle with her. Eventually her captor comes knocking shattering her peaceful bubble.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

OOO! So sweet. The ending. Before that the fear, hurt, sorrow, all of it. Finding some one to hold onto and find something. Peace? Contentment? Love, maybe. Truly a very good story. I enjoyed it very much. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly well rounded which in my opinion isn't easy to accomplish in a novella. Felt like a complete story with 🌶 2/5. Was very happy with this Orc Romance. 😊.

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

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was filled with so much emotion, story all built into a novella. I would read the novel version of this.

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

[Sandra Singleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Orcs you'll love this. Nyssa, a healer meets Balthor, an orc warrior when he finds her in his empty home. A must-read short story. Can't wait for the next book.

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

[Tonika · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a sweet book, an easy read, with little action or adventure. The FMC, Nyssa, is a damsel in distress, and her Orc Balthar saves the day.

I honestly didn't like it as much as My Orc Healer, but still good.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a super orc fantasy romance.. I loved it! It is steamy-sweet and suspenseful, with wonderful characters..

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

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story!!! I really enjoyed the start of this new series from a great author. Terrific descriptions about the world and it really draws you in.

[Tracy H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed the drama, chemistry and journey. Good read.

[La'Jacinth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Balthor and Nyssa were perfect for each other...both running form a past that is filled with pain.

Until a storm that one seeks for shelter.

Until one comes home to find a gift.

Nothing says love like, “I fight for her.”

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a first for me by this author. It was a sweet and spice love story. It works in its trope simplicity!.

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

[Micaela Bieber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet and spicy fantasy read. Lots of spice and good plot. Makes you want a real life Orc. 5 stars.

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

[Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

★★★ ½