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Retired Orc Warriors #1
Her Orc Blacksmith
A woman embracing her imperfections. A warrior healing his wounds. A love forged in fire.
Soraya Ashford knows all about rebuilding. After losing her husband in the war, this single mother's hands bear the calluses of raising a son alone and the determination to forge a new path—literally. When she decides to reopen her late husband's blacksmith forge, she's met with dismissal and doubt from the all-male guild.
Until Vorgath appears.
The reclusive orc blacksmith has his own scars, both visible and hidden. Having traded battlefield glory for a quiet life in the woods, he wants nothing to do with teaching or townspeople. But something about Soraya's fierce resolve and gentle strength pulls him from his solitude.
As hammer meets anvil, their unlikely partnership blooms into friendship. Working side by side in the heat of the forge, Soraya finds herself drawn to the way Vorgath's eyes linger on her stretch marks with reverence rather than judgment, and how his large hands guide hers with unexpected tenderness. For the first time since becoming a widow, she feels seen not just as a mother or survivor, but as a woman deserving of passion.
But when village prejudices ignite and dangers from Vorgath's past resurface, the delicate bond they've built faces its ultimate test.
Her Orc Blacksmith is a cozy fantasy romance about second chances, found family, and the quiet strength it takes to love again. Perfect for readers who cherish slow-burn romance with earned heat, body-positive representation, and characters finding their place in a world that wants to define them.
Soraya Ashford knows all about rebuilding. After losing her husband in the war, this single mother's hands bear the calluses of raising a son alone and the determination to forge a new path—literally. When she decides to reopen her late husband's blacksmith forge, she's met with dismissal and doubt from the all-male guild.
Until Vorgath appears.
The reclusive orc blacksmith has his own scars, both visible and hidden. Having traded battlefield glory for a quiet life in the woods, he wants nothing to do with teaching or townspeople. But something about Soraya's fierce resolve and gentle strength pulls him from his solitude.
As hammer meets anvil, their unlikely partnership blooms into friendship. Working side by side in the heat of the forge, Soraya finds herself drawn to the way Vorgath's eyes linger on her stretch marks with reverence rather than judgment, and how his large hands guide hers with unexpected tenderness. For the first time since becoming a widow, she feels seen not just as a mother or survivor, but as a woman deserving of passion.
But when village prejudices ignite and dangers from Vorgath's past resurface, the delicate bond they've built faces its ultimate test.
Her Orc Blacksmith is a cozy fantasy romance about second chances, found family, and the quiet strength it takes to love again. Perfect for readers who cherish slow-burn romance with earned heat, body-positive representation, and characters finding their place in a world that wants to define them.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2024
100 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 30, 2025
Trigger or content warning? Nope. Off page loss of FMC’s husband. MMC was apart of the war and that weighs heavily on him.
Details?
Soraya is the FMC. Vorgath is the MMC. Their ages are not mentioned, but I would guess late twenties(FMC) to early thirties(MMC).
FMC is a widow, her husband was killed in the war. She has moved on from him, and has been focused on surviving in the day to day. She has not been with anyone since his death (too busy). No OM.
I can’t remember any mention of Vorgath’s past. I would guess that Soraya is the first human he has been with. No OW.
No condoms used. No birth control mentioned. FMC is pregnant in the epilogue.
My thoughts?
This was exceptionally easy for me to read, and after I popped on some instrumental music in the background? I flew throughout this book.
Soraya frustrated me towards the end, the conflict could have stayed an outside source but she made it an issue between her and Vorgath.
Vorgath, Vorgath, Vorgath.
Whatta orc, whatta orc, whatta orc, what a very good orc! Yes he is! (sung to the tune of Whatta Man by Salt-n-Pepper)
Stoic at first, but he thawed towards Soraya the more time passed. I mean, who wouldn’t be captivated by a single mother who single-handedly wanted to be the reason their family forge was reopened? While there was attraction, I found their love and trust to be the foundation of their relationship. Vorgath *respects* Soraya. He acknowledges that she is a force to be reckoned with, and never once doubted her ability to be a blacksmith.
Soraya said she wasn’t ready to dive into a relationship? He respected her space. Until she initiated contact, he gave her space. He was not out of pouting or lashing out either, purely patience and waiting until she was on the same page as him. Soraya verbally lashed out at him after an emotion filled night? He gave her space, and then he made sure on his vow of choosing her.
Soraya’s baggage was heavy, and yet she carried it like it was nothing. She works herself to the bone everyday to provide for her and her son, Elias. She accepted that this was her life, up until Elias shared the wish he made on his birthday. He breathed life into her once again, and there came about the dream of becoming a blacksmith.
Yet, when Soraya took out her emotions on Vorgath during the conflict I found my compassion coming to a halt. Why is it just because she’s lived a hard life that she believes she could treat him that way? If it was the other way around I would have expected a MMC to be grovelling. Yet there was no grovel from Soraya, and Vorgath is the one who came back anyways (with help for their problem!!).
For the most part, I really love this book. I’ll definitely be giving it a reread.
Details?
Soraya is the FMC. Vorgath is the MMC. Their ages are not mentioned, but I would guess late twenties(FMC) to early thirties(MMC).
FMC is a widow, her husband was killed in the war. She has moved on from him, and has been focused on surviving in the day to day. She has not been with anyone since his death (too busy). No OM.
I can’t remember any mention of Vorgath’s past. I would guess that Soraya is the first human he has been with. No OW.
No condoms used. No birth control mentioned. FMC is pregnant in the epilogue.
My thoughts?
This was exceptionally easy for me to read, and after I popped on some instrumental music in the background? I flew throughout this book.
Soraya frustrated me towards the end, the conflict could have stayed an outside source but she made it an issue between her and Vorgath.
Vorgath, Vorgath, Vorgath.
Whatta orc, whatta orc, whatta orc, what a very good orc! Yes he is! (sung to the tune of Whatta Man by Salt-n-Pepper)
Stoic at first, but he thawed towards Soraya the more time passed. I mean, who wouldn’t be captivated by a single mother who single-handedly wanted to be the reason their family forge was reopened? While there was attraction, I found their love and trust to be the foundation of their relationship. Vorgath *respects* Soraya. He acknowledges that she is a force to be reckoned with, and never once doubted her ability to be a blacksmith.
Soraya said she wasn’t ready to dive into a relationship? He respected her space. Until she initiated contact, he gave her space. He was not out of pouting or lashing out either, purely patience and waiting until she was on the same page as him. Soraya verbally lashed out at him after an emotion filled night? He gave her space, and then he made sure on his vow of choosing her.
Soraya’s baggage was heavy, and yet she carried it like it was nothing. She works herself to the bone everyday to provide for her and her son, Elias. She accepted that this was her life, up until Elias shared the wish he made on his birthday. He breathed life into her once again, and there came about the dream of becoming a blacksmith.
Yet, when Soraya took out her emotions on Vorgath during the conflict I found my compassion coming to a halt. Why is it just because she’s lived a hard life that she believes she could treat him that way? If it was the other way around I would have expected a MMC to be grovelling. Yet there was no grovel from Soraya, and Vorgath is the one who came back anyways (with help for their problem!!).
For the most part, I really love this book. I’ll definitely be giving it a reread.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I came for the orc smooches, but I stayed for the feelings! Seriously, Etta Wild, how dare you make me cry over a giant green blacksmith and a widowed single mom?
Soraya is just trying to forge (pun intended) a better life for her son, taking over her late husband’s forge and learning the trade from Vorgath, the grumpy yet secretly tender orc blacksmith. Let me tell you, the tension is hotter than molten steel. I mean, this guy swings a hammer and has a heart of gold—who wouldn’t swoon?
What really caught me off guard was the emotional depth. I expected steamy, and I got that, don’t worry—but the layers of grief, healing, and finding love again hit me right in the feels. Soraya’s resilience is inspiring, and Vorgath’s quiet support had me rooting for him from the start.
Whether you're into small-town charm or swoony paranormal romance, this book has you covered. Just be prepared for a few tears in between all the banter, sparks (literal and romantic), and sweet moments. Four stars only because I wish I could have stayed in this world just a little longer!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I came for the orc smooches, but I stayed for the feelings! Seriously, Etta Wild, how dare you make me cry over a giant green blacksmith and a widowed single mom?
Soraya is just trying to forge (pun intended) a better life for her son, taking over her late husband’s forge and learning the trade from Vorgath, the grumpy yet secretly tender orc blacksmith. Let me tell you, the tension is hotter than molten steel. I mean, this guy swings a hammer and has a heart of gold—who wouldn’t swoon?
What really caught me off guard was the emotional depth. I expected steamy, and I got that, don’t worry—but the layers of grief, healing, and finding love again hit me right in the feels. Soraya’s resilience is inspiring, and Vorgath’s quiet support had me rooting for him from the start.
Whether you're into small-town charm or swoony paranormal romance, this book has you covered. Just be prepared for a few tears in between all the banter, sparks (literal and romantic), and sweet moments. Four stars only because I wish I could have stayed in this world just a little longer!
April 3, 2025
3 ⭐️
Sometimes you need a nice cozy orc romance to tuck you in at night.
I really liked the fmc, Soraya, she was such a strong character that pushed through to the end. Seeing her struggling to be a single mother and give her son a better life was so inspiring. I loved reading about her journey into discovering her craft and finding herself again.
Sometimes you need a nice cozy orc romance to tuck you in at night.
I really liked the fmc, Soraya, she was such a strong character that pushed through to the end. Seeing her struggling to be a single mother and give her son a better life was so inspiring. I loved reading about her journey into discovering her craft and finding herself again.
January 3, 2025
Gleeful Goblin Review: I dearly loved how much kindness, empathy, and community were not only recognized but cherished in this book. Both our main characters are people who have experienced hardship in the past as well as the present but we get to see how the kindness of others and community care makes a huge difference in folks lives. There's also great contrast to that kindness in the form of things like our FMC being dismissed and patronized by a lot of human men in the smithing community for wanting to take up smithing (her deceased husband's profession) and better provide for herself and her young son. But our MMC is having NONE OF THAT. He publicly shuts down the naysayers without taking away the FMC's agency. He backs down awful people not because he thinks Soraya is weak, but because he thinks the bullies are the weak ones. I also really loved how many of Vorgath's sayings are phenomenal examples of wholesome masculinity and strength. A couple of my faves from early on in the book that made me fall in love with Vorgath are: Vorgath gave an approximation of a smirk, baring his tusks. “I see you, Thorne. First, an orc outdoes you, and now, you’re worried a woman might show you up, too.” | “Admitting pain is not weakness. Ignoring it is foolishness.” | “Pain shapes us,” he said. “It is not to be forgotten but learned from.” | “There is much you don't know about orcs, like I said before.” He paused, his eyes holding mine for a moment longer than necessary. “But you are a fast learner.” | “That was a lovely story,” I said softly as we moved back down the hallway. “Did your mother tell you that one when you were young?” “No,” he answered, his voice low and thoughtful. “My mother was a warrior. She wasn't one for stories. It was my father who told me and my brother tales like that.”
This story was a lovely slow burn romance with tons of heart. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story was a lovely slow burn romance with tons of heart. 5/5 Stars.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2024
After the war, Vorgath, the male orc blacksmith lead, moved to this small village so that he could create rather than destroy.
Soraya, the female human lead, was left widowed when her husband, one of the town blacksmiths, went to war and died. Raising her son, she’s struggling to survive as a seamstress. When he asks about starting the forge up again, she looks to commence an apprenticeship. Mocked by the humans, she accepts Vorgath’s offer to teach her, opening herself to his support and encouragement, as well as the new people and situations he introduces her to.
But when her forge burns down, it disheartens her, and she finds herself turning away from Vorgath…
This story is female lead POV except for the prologue, well written and edited, and a slower paced, love after loss, orc/human fantasy romance. I appreciated the effort Vorgath had expended to create a new, peaceful life for himself. I enjoyed Soraya’s determination to build something back for her son, and empathised with her struggles. I enjoyed the slower relationship development, and the build up to intimacy between the characters. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters and the world building. I’d love to see what the author does with this setting and I’d be curious about a story for the orc antagonist.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Soraya, the female human lead, was left widowed when her husband, one of the town blacksmiths, went to war and died. Raising her son, she’s struggling to survive as a seamstress. When he asks about starting the forge up again, she looks to commence an apprenticeship. Mocked by the humans, she accepts Vorgath’s offer to teach her, opening herself to his support and encouragement, as well as the new people and situations he introduces her to.
But when her forge burns down, it disheartens her, and she finds herself turning away from Vorgath…
This story is female lead POV except for the prologue, well written and edited, and a slower paced, love after loss, orc/human fantasy romance. I appreciated the effort Vorgath had expended to create a new, peaceful life for himself. I enjoyed Soraya’s determination to build something back for her son, and empathised with her struggles. I enjoyed the slower relationship development, and the build up to intimacy between the characters. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters and the world building. I’d love to see what the author does with this setting and I’d be curious about a story for the orc antagonist.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2024
Soraya (h), a widowed seamstress, is determined to rebuild her life by restoring her late husband’s forge to support her young son, Elias. But in a town where orcs are seen with distrust and a woman blacksmith is unheard of, her journey is far from easy. When she meets Vorgath (H), a skilled orc blacksmith with a guarded past, he offers her a rare chance to learn. As Soraya becomes more skilled in the forge, her relationship with Vorgath deepens from camaraderie to romance, each finding healing in their connection, even as things heat up between the two. Just as Soraya’s dreams start to take shape, old enemies surface, and her forge—and her heart—face new threats. With resilience and the support of unlikely allies, Soraya carves out a place for herself, blending craftsmanship and community in a fresh start. Love how Soraya handles Dregor and how she inspires Lira. Hot and steamy orc-human romance, exploring love, finding one's strength, resilience, healing, compassion, and purpose, unity, and community.
November 12, 2024
Yet another new author found and of course an Orc tale. Yet another new author found and of course an Orc tale. It covers many emotions, from the characters, as they deal with their lives and move on from loss and war.
Soraya is a widow with a young son, moving on from her loss and trying to be positive for her son. Vorgath is an Orc, who has faced much with the war, betrayal and his own loss. Soraya turns to Vorgath for help and these two work through all that crosses their paths to their HEA though as this is the first in a series, we might hear more in future books? :D I will look forward to seeing what this author gives us next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Soraya is a widow with a young son, moving on from her loss and trying to be positive for her son. Vorgath is an Orc, who has faced much with the war, betrayal and his own loss. Soraya turns to Vorgath for help and these two work through all that crosses their paths to their HEA though as this is the first in a series, we might hear more in future books? :D I will look forward to seeing what this author gives us next.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
This was a well written slow burn fantasy romance that brings together Soraya and Vorgath. Both have faced huge losses but together, they begin to forge (ha!) a path to a wonderful future. I really like that Vorgath was willing to teach her how to work the forge so she could support herself in a place that never believed a woman could be a blacksmith. Between her determination and his quiet strength, I was rooting hard for them to be able to heal and overcome the prejudices and challenges against them. Thankfully, they did get wonderful HEA. I loved the side characters, too, so I'm really looking forward to the next book. Good fun!
December 4, 2024
Starting Over . . .
Surviving a war, Soroya Ashford and her young son Elias must re-establish a new life for themselves. Working first as a seamstress, she hardly earns enough to feed the two of them. Vorgath Steelbane, an Orc, is also trying to find his place in the world. When he opens the forge again since he is already a skilled blacksmith, Soraya signs on as an apprentice to learn the skill. But there are those who unfairly try to interfere. Will Soraya and Vorgath fall in love and make that new life for themselves? Or will the past try to separate them? Is he able to keep her safe as they move toward their future as a family?
Surviving a war, Soroya Ashford and her young son Elias must re-establish a new life for themselves. Working first as a seamstress, she hardly earns enough to feed the two of them. Vorgath Steelbane, an Orc, is also trying to find his place in the world. When he opens the forge again since he is already a skilled blacksmith, Soraya signs on as an apprentice to learn the skill. But there are those who unfairly try to interfere. Will Soraya and Vorgath fall in love and make that new life for themselves? Or will the past try to separate them? Is he able to keep her safe as they move toward their future as a family?
December 7, 2024
Etta Wild’s Her Orc Blacksmith is a treasure. Both Volgath and Soraya are broken, he from the war and family tragedy, she from losing her husband to the war and having to raise a child alone. She realizes life can be better and decides to learn her late husband’s craft using the abandoned forge. Volgath agrees to be her mentor when the guild leader refuses, allowing the widow to earn a better life in the future. And the comes love and healing! The two work together to empower more women, too!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2024
Sorava has had a hard life. A young woman who has been widowed with a small child. War took her husband away. She works sewing for other people. Trying to make enough to buy food and what is needed to live. This story is her life and how she started living again. She went through a lot to get there. A very good story. I received a complimentary review copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 3, 2024
“Her Orc Blacksmith” by Etta Wild
A beautifully written slow-burn fantasy romance that blends love, resilience, and healing. Soraya’s determination and Vorgath’s quiet strength forge a heartfelt connection amidst prejudice and hardship. The well-crafted world and endearing secondary characters add depth to the story. A touching tale of rebuilding, community, and an orc-human love that feels both tender and powerful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A beautifully written slow-burn fantasy romance that blends love, resilience, and healing. Soraya’s determination and Vorgath’s quiet strength forge a heartfelt connection amidst prejudice and hardship. The well-crafted world and endearing secondary characters add depth to the story. A touching tale of rebuilding, community, and an orc-human love that feels both tender and powerful.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2024
This book grabs you by the heart from the beginning to the end. Soraya and Vorgath are fantastic characters. Soraya is a widow trying to make it with her young son. Vorgath is an Orc who teaches Soraya how to blacksmith. From the start of the book, I was rooting for them both. After all the two of them had suffered, I wanted them to be very happy. Excellent book!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2025
I went into this book not having any expectations as I picked up the book on ”Stuff your kindle-day” for free. But I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Such a cute romance, the plot was interesting and kept me engaged and I love a good Enemies turn to friends or acceptance of eachother. And what I mean by that is the people who were meanies didn’t die or walk away mortal enemies still. Very anime esque decision. Love those. Also, the Orc was hot. 4 stars and will defo read the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2026
a heartwarming redemption
Two brokenhearted people find each other and new possibilities. They help each other move on from tragedy and grow into a new version of themselves. They find love, family, and forgiveness; and even manage to help side characters and villains too. The spice doesn’t happen until the second half of the book but the build up to it and the growth of the characters make up for it.
Two brokenhearted people find each other and new possibilities. They help each other move on from tragedy and grow into a new version of themselves. They find love, family, and forgiveness; and even manage to help side characters and villains too. The spice doesn’t happen until the second half of the book but the build up to it and the growth of the characters make up for it.
December 12, 2024
This Book 1 in The Retired Orc Warriors Monster has a Fantasy Romance Story, a well-crafted world and interesting characters. These characters have unique personalities, complicated histories and believable interactions. This story has romance, action, drama, danger, adventure, twists, turns, chemistry and love with a HEA.
December 28, 2024
An unexpectedly incredible find from Stuff Your Kindle Day! Very few reviews on this so far, but I hope this book catches on! It was cozy and warm, the heroine was practical, determined and real. The only critique was that the conflict felt a little forced, but I spent most of the book feeling warm fuzzies so it def didn’t kill the book for me. Great fantasy comparable to S.E. Wendel.
January 20, 2025
beautiful story
I thought I knew how things would play out but the story is just so much more. She rescues herself at every time with inner strength and preséntense rather than brute force and she stumbles multiple times but it makes sense and doesn’t feel contrived it’s a wonderful book
I thought I knew how things would play out but the story is just so much more. She rescues herself at every time with inner strength and preséntense rather than brute force and she stumbles multiple times but it makes sense and doesn’t feel contrived it’s a wonderful book
April 15, 2025
Vorgath takes a chance on Soraya when she decides to take on the blacksmith trade. After her husband’s passing and raising her son Elias alone for the years since she wants to reopen their forge. As things progress with Vorgath she learns things about orcs in general and Vorgath himself personally. They not only forge together but they are building her business together too.
December 2, 2024
Such a fantastic book! I loved it and couldn't put it down! Devoured every word and will definitely check out more works by Wild.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 4, 2024
This is a wonderful orc/fantasy romance! I liked it very much.. It is sweet and steamy, heartfelt and courageous.. Amazing characters!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2024
Overall I enjoyed reading this story the first in the series. Orc and human romance. It definitely has a lot of deep emotions and wonderful characters.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2024
This was a sweet story about loss, strength and resilience. I love that Soraya was a strong FMC and how patient and supportive Vorgath was.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 28, 2024
Cozy Fun
Absolutely adored this! This was a cozy fantasy with just enough Intrigue and suspense to move the plot, with all the warm and fuzzy feels that you expect from a cozy read. Soft and sweet (steamy too), a quick and fun read.
Absolutely adored this! This was a cozy fantasy with just enough Intrigue and suspense to move the plot, with all the warm and fuzzy feels that you expect from a cozy read. Soft and sweet (steamy too), a quick and fun read.
January 6, 2025
so cute!
I love this book. It was a great read and I loved how the author created a FMC that felt unworthy based on how her body had changed after having a child and growing older. It was so refreshing.
I love this book. It was a great read and I loved how the author created a FMC that felt unworthy based on how her body had changed after having a child and growing older. It was so refreshing.
April 23, 2025
ireally enjoyed this book. it shows the development of the relationship of the h/h who have both suffered losses. there was enough steam to cause tingles but it flowed from the relationship, not just scratching an itch. will definitely look for the next volume in the series which comes out in may.
May 25, 2025
Wonderful love story
Enjoyed reading this book so much. The characters were perfect. A woman fighting for the right to be what she wants. A man who sees her as capable. Great read highly recommend.
Enjoyed reading this book so much. The characters were perfect. A woman fighting for the right to be what she wants. A man who sees her as capable. Great read highly recommend.
December 19, 2025
A very nice little orc -human romance story. Soraya decides she wants to learn blacksmithing after her husband’s death in the war. She apprentices with Vorgath, an orc vetreran of the wars. Love follows.
A good read
A good read
December 5, 2024
If you love stories with orcs finding love this is for you. Waiting for the next book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 15, 2024
This was a great read! The heat, sexy times, interplay between characters, and plot where great. This story was a great way to spend the afternoon. Soo good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews